Abstract: Forward osmosis membranes include an active layer and a thin support layer. A bilayer substrate including a removable backing layer may allow forward osmosis membranes with reduced supporting layer thickness to be processed on existing manufacturing lines.

Abstract: A method is provided for storing hydrogen in a macroporous monolithic material by the heterogeneous nucleation of a metal hydride. A composite material is provided for storing hydrogen directly obtained by the method. A method is also provided for employing the material for the production of dihydrogen, as well as a method for producing dihydrogen using such a composite material.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing a thin film composite membrane comprising multi-walled carbon nanotubes include contacting under interfacial polymerization conditions an organic solution comprising a polyacid halide with an aqueous solution comprising a polyamine to form a thin film composite membrane on a surface of a porous base membrane; at least one of the organic solution and the aqueous solution further including multi-walled carbon nanotubes having an outside diameter of less than about 30 nm.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal article intended for at least partially coating with a substance, which includes a metal solder, a plastic, a glass, or a ceramic. The metal article itself may include, in particular, connecting, supporting, or conducting components for an electronic component. The metal article has macroscopically smooth surface portions and a plurality of multiply curved nanopores in the region of at least one surface portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separating material producable by a) providing a solid substrate, having amino-functional groups coupled to the substrate surface, b) covalently coupling of the amino-functional groups with a thermally labile radical initiator, c) contacting the substrate surface with a solution of polymerizable monomers under conditions, where thermally initiated graft copolymerization of the monomers takes place, to form a structure of adjacent functional polymer chains on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nanocrater catalyst in metal nanoparticles with a nanocrater form of hole structure in center of the catalyst which is useful for manufacturing nano-sized materials and/or articles with desired structure and characteristics, a preparation method thereof including a plasma etching and chemical etching process (“PTCE process”), and nano-sized materials and/or articles manufactured by using the nanocrater catalyst in metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for fabricating a porous coatings with controlled structure in the micro and nano-size domain. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a process for fabricating coatings with an anisotropic pore size distribution and to coatings obtained using such coatings. It describes in particular the use of ink-jet method to deposit in a controlled way such coatings. It also relates to porous coatings with controlled structure in the micro and nano-size domain. The coating has a thickness between 10 nanometres and 10 millimetres and its porosity is created in such a way that the pore size distribution is anisotropic. It finally describes objects covered with this coating.

Abstract: A method for forming a hydrophilic porous membrane includes applying a crosslinked coating to a hydrophobic porous membrane via an in-situ polymerization process. Polar functional groups are introduced into the coating, thereby forming the hydrophilic porous membrane.

Abstract: A method for making dual-sided membrane sheet comprises the steps of: a) forming a microporous polymer sheet including a plurality of capillary channels and b) forming a semi-permeable discriminating layer upon at least a portion of the opposing outer surfaces of the sheet, wherein the sheet is advanced along a production pathway during at least a portion of: step a), step b), or while transferring the sheet from step a) to step b) by engaging the sheet along one or more of its edge sections.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a nanovoided article, a nanovoided coating, and a low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent; at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution, wherein the insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution; and removing a major portion of the solvent from the second solution. An apparatus for the process is also described, and includes a webline, a coating section, a partial polymerization section, and a solvent removal section.

Abstract: A method of oxygen enrichment in which a gaseous mixture containing O2 molecules and N2 molecules is provided to a feed side of a SAPO molecular sieve, oxygen enrichment membrane having pore sizes suitable for discriminating between O2 molecules and N2 molecules, resulting in selective transport of the O2 molecules through the membrane to a permeate side of the membrane. Also disclosed is a method for producing the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are a forward osmosis membrane capable of ensuring resistance to microorganisms, improving water flux by forward osmosis, and minimizing reverse solute flux by maximizing tortuosity of the membrane, and a method for fabricating the same. The disclosed method for fabricating a forward osmosis membrane includes: preparing a filler material including a non-cellulose polymer, an organic solvent for dissolving the non-cellulose polymer, and a pore-forming agent for inducing pore formation in the non-cellulose polymer; coating the filler material on an osmosis membrane backing; and immersing the osmosis membrane backing coated with the filler material in water, so that the organic solvent and the pore-forming agent are evaporated, and pores are formed in the non-cellulose polymer as the non-cellulose polymer is solidified.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane includes an active layer on a support. The active layer includes at least two chemically distinct crosslinked, polyamide films, and the films are crosslinked with each other at an interface.

Abstract: Using the methods of the invention, an elastomeric polymer is dissolved in a suitable solvent, cast in one of the membrane casting techniques using a phase inversion technique, and immersed in a coagulation bath comprised of suitable solvent/non-solvent pairs (e.g., THF/water and ethanol). Asymmetric membranes having a dense discriminating layer and a thicker porous support layer suitable for application in pervaporation processes were obtained in a single step. An increase of the polymer concentration in the casting solution gives a more dense layer. When cast as formed using the methods of the invention, the membrane obtained is an integrally skinned membrane comprising a thin, dense separation layer over a porous support layer (asymmetric membrane) formed in a single casting operation. The resulting membrane is homogenous with respect to chemical composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dense-coverage, adherent phosphorous-based coating on the native oxide surface of a material. Disclosed phosphorous-based coatings include phosphate and organo-phosphonate coatings. The present invention also provides further derivatization of the phosphorous-based coatings to yield dense surface coverage of chemically reactive coatings and osteoblast adhesion-promoting and proliferation-promoting coatings on the native oxide surface of a titanium material.

Abstract: This invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane for separating components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The membranes of the present invention possess low soft segment glass transition temperatures and improved separation characteristics.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides ion-exchange and gas-diffusion membranes, fabricated by a layer-by-layer approach, for use, e.g., in electrochemical cells; a process for making membrane electrode assemblies fabricated using porous frameworks, LBL composite membranes and LBL carbon-Polymer electrodes; and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise.

Abstract: A resin composition that is storable at ambient temperatures. The resin composition forms a cured resin when exposed to a curing agent and heated to a curing temperature that is relatively close to ambient temperature. The resin composition includes a resin component that is composed of a liquid part that is made up of one or more liquid thermosetting resins and a solid part that includes particles of one or more solid thermosetting resins. The liquid part further includes a gelation agent that is present in a sufficient amount to maintain the particles in suspension within the liquid part at ambient temperatures. The viscosity of the resin component changes from a high viscosity state to a low viscosity state when the temperature is increased from ambient temperature to the curing temperature. The high viscosity state is substantially more viscous than the low viscosity state.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer, a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The gas diffusion layer having different hydrophilic/hydrophobic structure and channel therein can be manufactured quickly and easily by using a coating mask. The gas diffusion layer is used in various fuel cells to enhance the ability of water management and to solve the problem of flooding at the cathode, the problem of water deficit at the anode, and the problem of gas transfer. The gas diffusion layer includes a gas diffusion medium having a first property and a micro porous layer having a second property. The micro porous layer is formed on one surface of the gas diffusion medium. The micro porous layer has a plurality of channel layers penetrating the gas diffusion medium. One of the first property and the second property is hydrophilic, and the other is hydrophobic.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, Halar, PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.

Abstract: A separator includes a porous body, and a particle membrane that is formed on at least one principal surface of the porous body. The particle membrane is made of inorganic particles, and has a void formed therein by the inorganic particles. The particle membrane has a porosity that is non-uniform in the thickness direction thereof.

Abstract: Describes a diaphragm for an electrolytic diaphragm cell, e.g., a chlor-alkali cell, in which the diaphragm comprises fibrous material substantially resistant to the environment within the electrolytic cell and spheroidal ceramic microspheres at least partially resistant to the environment within the electrolytic cell associated with said diaphragm. Also describes a diaphragm for an electrolytic cell in which the diaphragm comprises a base mat of fibrous material chosen from asbestos fibers, resin-modified asbestos fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures of such fibers on which base mat is applied a coating comprising spheroidal ceramic microspheres. Further describes a synthetic diaphragm for an electrolytic cell, e.g., a chlor-alkali cell, on which is applied a coating comprising substantially water-insoluble inorganic particulate material, e.g., clay material, and spheroidal ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: Disclosed are compaction resistant thin film composite membranes having a porous polymeric support; a semi-permeable polymer film polymerized on the porous polymeric support; and particles, of a size in the range of microparticles and nanoparticles, dispersed in the porous polymeric support. Also disclosed are methods of making compaction resistant membranes by polymerizing a polymer film on a porous polymeric support with particles of a size in the range of microparticles and nanoparticles dispersed therein, the particles having been selected to improve flux flow characteristics over time of the semi-permeable membrane. Also disclosed are methods of purifying water using the disclosed membranes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing 3-dimensional structure using a thin film with a columnar nano pores and a manufacture thereof. A method for packaging an MEMS device or an NEMS device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: forming a sacrificial layer; forming a thin film having columnar nano pores formed therein by depositing one of a metallic material, an oxide, a nitride and a fluoride on the sacrificial layer; forming a support layer on the thin film and patterning the support layer; removing the sacrificial layer through use of the nano pores of the thin film parts of which are exposed by patterning the support layer; and forming a shielding layer on the thin film and the support layer.

Abstract: An agent for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises an ionic macromolecule having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 or greater; a process for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises treating a permeable membrane with the agent; a permeable membrane which is treated in accordance with the process; and a process for water treatment which comprises using the permeable membrane are disclosed. By using the above agent, an increased rejection of inorganic electrolytes and organic compounds soluble in water can be maintained for a long time easily and safely at the location of the use of the membrane without extreme decrease in the flux of permeation in the membrane separation using a selective permeable membrane such as a nano filtration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesoporous monolith containing a conducting polymer such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and methods for making the monolith. The mesoporous monolith is electroactive, at least semi-transparent and has one or more of a large internal pore surface area, pore size and pore volume. It can be used for various applications in photovoltaics, sensing electrochromics, separations, reversible ion exchange and control of protein activity. The method employs hydrothermal treatment and/or substantially complete drying to obtain the desirable properties of the monolith. Conducting polymer can be covalently bound to the internal pore surfaces and polymerized in situ to partially or completely fill the pores producing increased mechanical strength and a high conductivity per unit area.

Abstract: The invention provides a recording medium excellent in the water resistance and image fixability and a producing method thereof and an inkjet recording method using the recording medium, comprising: sequentially laminated, a base paper; a first layer containing a binder; and a second layer containing a white pigment and at least one selected from the group consisting of a urethane resin and an acrylic resin, each having a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or less, wherein a Cobb water absorption degree during a contact time of 120 sec in a water absorption test in accordance with JIS P8140 on a surface of the first layer disposed on the base paper is 2.0 g/m2 or less and an amount of water absorption during a contact time of 0.5 sec in the Bristow method on a surface of the second layer is 2 to 8 mL/m2.

Abstract: Membranes for filtration by size exclusion are formed from open-ended nanotubes embedded in a polymeric matrix. The matrix forms a layer whose thickness is substantially less than the average length of the nanotubes, allowing the nanotubes to be randomly oriented throughout the matrix while providing channels extending through the layer for the selective passage of molecular species or particles based on size.

Abstract: A multilayered modified membrane and method for making the same, comprising a modified discriminating layer that can have a fouling resistant surface, improved salt rejection, antimicrobial properties, and/or improved solute, and/or small organics rejection as compared to membranes with unmodified discriminating layers.

Abstract: A method for making an extrusion coated perforated nonwoven web. The method comprises the steps of extruding a molten polyethylene coating onto a nonwoven web, and aperturing the molten polyethylene coating through heat and pneumatic pressure differential to create microperforations therein at a density of between about 35 and about 120 perforations per linear inch. The resulting microperforated nonwoven web is then thermomechanically perforated by feeding it through perforating rolls, at least one of which has raised protuberances to create macroperforations that extend though at least the polyethylene coating. The macroperforations have a density of between about 6 and about 35 perforations per linear inch. The perforated nonwoven web is useful as a topsheet for absorbent articles.

Abstract: In manufacturing a composite semipermeable membrane useful for separating a liquid mixture selectively, it is rendered possible to provide a composite semipermeable membrane that exhibits reduced deterioration of water permeability and solute removing property as a result of drying and that demonstrates reduced economic burden and load for waste liquid treatment without impairing the water permeability or solute removal ratio of the composite semipermeable membrane through change of the membrane manufacturing method, by making a saccharide exist in an aqueous polyfunctional amine solution in performing interfacial polycondensation by bringing the aqueous solution of the polyfunctional amine into contact with an organic solvent solution containing a polyfunctional acid halide on a microporous support membrane.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous low-k layer is described. A CVD process is conducted to a substrate, wherein a framework precursor and a porogen precursor are supplied. In an end period of the supply of the framework precursor, the value of at least one deposition parameter negatively correlated with the density of the product of the CVD process is decreased.

Abstract: A fluidic device for separating different components of a sample, the fluidic device comprising a microstructured body and porous material covering at least a portion of a surface of the microstructured body.

Abstract: A high quality ink jet recording medium with a printed image non-vulnerable and excellent in scratch resistance is obtained with an ink jet recording using a water pigment ink. An ink jet recording medium having a substrate and an ink receiving layer including an inorganic particle and a binder on the substrate is provided. A surface of the ink receiving layer has (a) a projected valley portion depth (Rvk) of not less than 20 nm and not more than 100, (b) an arithmetic average roughness (Ra) of not less than 5 nm and not more than 100 nm, and (c) an average spacing (S) of local peaks of not more than 1.0 ?m.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane including a support; a first separation layer with a plurality of first nano-sized pores and a first matrix; and a second separation layer having a plurality of second pores respectively corresponding to the plurality of first pores of the first separation layer and a second matrix, and formed on the first separation layer, wherein a density of the plurality of the first pores and the second pores is equal to or greater than 1010/cm2, and a diameter of each of the second pores is less than that of the corresponding first pore, a process of fabricating the same, and a device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane. The device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane can release biopharmaceuticals at a constant rate for a long period of time regardless of the concentration of the biopharmaceuticals including in pharmaceuticals, and high flex and selectivity.

Abstract: Monolithic films are provided having controlled regional breathability with high MVTR regions and low MVTR regions. The zoned monolithic films are be made by selectively applying coatings to a monolithic film prepared from organic acid-modified ionomer resins.

Abstract: A composite membrane comprising a discriminating layer and a porous support layer for the discriminating layer, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the discriminating layer comprises at least 60 wt % of oxyethylene groups and the porous support layer has a CO2 gas flux of 5 to 150×10?5 m3(STP)/m2.s.kPa at a feed pressure of 2.07 kPa. The membranes are particularly useful for purifying waste gas streams e.g. by removing greenhouse gases.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous polyolefin composite film with a thermally stable porous layer at high temperature, particularly, to the microporous polyolefin composite film in which the thermally stable porous layer at high temperature, which contains organic or inorganic particles and heat-resistant polymer having aromatic ring in main chain and also having a melting temperature or a glass transition temperature of 170 to 500° C., is formed on one surface or both surfaces of a polyolefin microporous film by a phase separation, wherein the composite film with the porous layer has a permeability of 1.5×105 to 20.O×IO 5 Darcy, a meltdown temperature of 160 to 300° C., a MD/TD shrinkage of 1 to 40% at a temperature of 15O° C. for 60 minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-porous membrane comprising a porous membrane carrier made of a first polymeric material (A) and comprising a second polymeric material (B) intimately divided throughout the porous membrane carrier, wherein the porous membrane carrier comprises a plurality of interconnected polymeric fibers, fibrils, filaments and/or lamellae having a thickness of less than 1 ?m, the porous membrane carrier has an interconnected open porous structure formed by the plurality of interconnected polymeric fibers, fibrils, filaments and/or lamellae and a porosity of at least 50%; and the polymeric material (B) comprises a thermoplastic polycondensation polymer and is present in an amount of at most 30 wt. %, relative to the total weight of (A) and (B).

Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein the acid chloride monomer is modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride side and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide and, in one application, the membrane is used in a desalination unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composite porous membrane, which has not only excellent filtration capacity, but also excellent adhesion between a porous membrane and a braid and mechanical properties, and a method for producing the composite porous membrane. The present invention relates to a composite porous membrane comprising a braid, and a membrane material; wherein the membrane material comprises a first porous layer comprising a dense layer which is arranged on the outer surface of the braid, and a second porous layer comprising a dense layer which is arranged on the first porous layer, and a method for producing the composite porous membrane.

Abstract: A nanoporous film and fabrication method thereof. The method for fabricating nanoporous film comprising: providing a substrate with a surface; forming a coating of a composition on the surface, curing the coating to polymerize the oxide gel, thereby forming an organic/inorganic hybrid film; and dissolving the template from the organic/inorganic hybrid film by an organic solvent. Specifically, the composition comprises the following components: an oxide gel, a template and an initiator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing electronic components consisting in carrying out a first anodization of a carrier material (1) for forming at least one first pore (3) extending in a first direction in said carrier material (1) and in carrying out a second anodization for forming at least one second pore (17) extending in the carrier material (1) in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are an amine aqueous solution for forming an active layer of a polyamide reverse osmosis composite membrane and a preparation method of the polyamide reverse osmosis composite membrane using the same. The amine aqueous solution comprises 0.1 to 20 wt % of a polyfunctional amine compound, 0.1 to 20 wt % of an alcohol amine compound, 0.1 to 20 wt % of a tertiary amine compound, and 40 to 99.7 wt % of water. Due to using an amine aqueous solution having an alcohol amine and a tertiary amine compound, the polyamide reverse osmosis composite membrane has high water permeability and enhanced salt rejection rate, and thus is useful for the membrane field.

Abstract: Nanostructured layers with 10 nm to 50 nm pores spaced 10-50 nm apart, a method for making such nanostructured layers, optoelectronic devices having such nanostructured layers and uses for such nanostructured layers are disclosed. The nanostructured layer can be formed using precursor sol, which generally includes one or more covalent metal complexes, one or more surfactants, a solvent, one or more optional condensation inhibitors, and (optionally) water. Evaporating the solvent from the precursor sol forms a surfactant-templated film. Covalently crosslinking the surfactant-templated film forms a nanostructured porous layer. Pore size is controlled, e.g., by appropriate solvent concentration, choice of surfactant, use of chelating agents, use of swelling agents or combinations of these.

Abstract: Process for producing ion exchange membranes. A matrix material that comprises a polymeric component chosen from the group consisting of monomeric and oligomeric polymer precursors and cross-linkable polymers is provided. Ion cation or anion exchange particles, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting particles, or cation or anion exchange polymers, or proton or hydroxyl or ion conducting polymers are introduced in the matrix. The particles are mixed or the polymer is dissolved with the matrix. The resulting mixture is formed into membrane configuration. The particles or the domains of the polymer formed by polymer-matrix phase separation upon solvent evaporation or cooling, are ordered by an electric field.

Abstract: A permselective material has a polymer having an organosiloxane skeleton and containing a dispersed solid additive. When oxygen and nitrogen are passed through a membrane having the permselective material, the relation between the permeability coefficients [cm3·cm·sec?1·cm?2·cmHg?1] of oxygen and nitrogen at a temperature of 23±2° C. under a pressure difference of 1.05 atm to 1.20 atm through the membrane is expressed by Formula (1): 0.94 ? P ? ( O 2 ) P ? ( N 2 ) < 1 ( 1 ) where P(O2) denotes the permeability coefficient of oxygen, while P(N2) denotes the permeability coefficient of nitrogen.

Abstract: A composite product is formed from a honeycomb panel having an array of hexagonal tubular cells which clamped between two press plates where a layer of a foaming agent is applied to only the bottom press plate such that the foaming agent expands into the cells. An array of grooves is provided in the top press plate and connected at one or both edges of the plate to a source of vacuum so as to draw air through the grooves and cells. A sheet of a polyethylene material having the characteristics that it is permeable to air, substantially impermeable to liquid and resistant to bonding to the foam is applied onto the press plate to prevent the foam entering the grooves and bonding to the press plate while allowing the air to be drawn from the cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an that includes a substrate; and a nanoporous coating disposed thereon; the nanoporous coating having a thickness of about 5 nanometers to about 10 micrometers; where an interface between the substrate and the nanoporous coating is disposed at an angle of about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees to a horizontal; the nanoporous coating being in contact with a liquid; the nanoporous coating being operative to improve the critical heat flux by an amount of about 20% to about 100% over a surface that does not have a nanoporous coating.

Abstract: An evaporation-induced self-assembly method to prepare a porous, surfactant-templated, thin film by mixing a silica sol, a solvent, a surfactant, and an interstitial compound, evaporating a portion of the solvent to form a liquid, crystalline thin film mesophase material, and then removal of the surfactant template. Coating onto a substrate produces a thin film with the interstitial compound either covalently bonded to the internal surfaces of the ordered or disordered mesostructure framework or physically entrapped within the ordered or disordered mesostructured framework. Particles can be formed by aerosol processing or spray drying rather than coating onto a substrate. The selection of the interstitial compound provides a means for developing thin films for applications including membranes, sensors, low dielectric constant films, photonic materials and optical hosts.