Abstract: An apparatus and method to separate a mixture of gases—such as carbon dioxide and methane—by an inorganic membrane comprising a ceramic support and a silica layer made from a silicon elastomer sol. The apparatus and method can efficiently separate the gaseous mixture and can also cope with the extreme conditions found in e.g. hydrocarbon producing wells. A method of manufacturing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous media or membranes having a surface coating that includes a first coating of a cross-linked terpolymer and a second coating comprising a copolymer or a terpolymer modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group which has a superior combination of properties, including heat stable biomolecule resistant adsorptive properties, resistance to strong alkaline solutions, and low levels of extractable matter.

Abstract: Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite wall with an open cell metal foam core layer bonded to an inner cladding layer and an outer cladding layer. The method involves: creating a core substrate of open cell gas permeable foam in a chosen shape; impregnating the open cell foam substrate with metal vapour and depositing a porous layer of metal on exposed internal and external surfaces of the substrate thereby forming the open cell metal foam core through metal vapour deposition; and forming the inner and outer cladding layers upon the metal foam core through spray application of metal or ceramic.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing a separator for an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of (a) coating onto a substrate a liquid mixture comprising an inorganic oxide, an organic polymer, a divinyl ether of an ethylene glycol, and/or an organic carbonate; (b) drying the coating; and (c) delaminating the coating from the substrate to form the separator comprising an inorganic oxide and the organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide of step (c) comprises a reaction product of the divinyl ether and/or the organic carbonate with the inorganic oxide of step (a). Preferably, the inorganic oxide of step (c) comprises a hydrated aluminum oxide of the formula Al2O3.H2O, wherein x is less than 1.0, and wherein the hydrated aluminum oxide comprises a reaction product of the divinyl ether and/or organic carbonate with the inorganic oxide of step (a), such as pseudo-boehmite.

Abstract: A composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate layer that includes a powder having a Tamman temperature higher than the Tamman temperature of the porous metal substrate and wherein the intermediate layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense hydrogen-selective membrane, wherein the dense hydrogen-selective membrane overlies the intermediate layer. In another embodiment, a composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate powder layer; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the intermediate powder layer.

Abstract: According to the module 10, the other end 22 of each of the plurality of porous cylindrical bodies 12 the one end 20 of each of which is closed is opened to the gas chamber 58 between the end cap 18 and the end cover 54, and the end cap 18 is provided with the through-hole 53 leading from the gas chamber 56 outward, and the gas chamber 58 leads outward by means of a path passing through the through-hole 53 and through the porous cylindrical body 12. The module 10 can have a gas-passing path from the peripheral wall 24 of the porous cylindrical-body 12 outward through the gas chamber 58 and through the through-hole 53.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adsorption membranes, comprising microporous polymer membranes into which are incorporated porous silicon dioxide particles modified with hydrocarbon ligands having 2 to 24 carbon atoms as adsorbent particles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of producing the inventive adsorption membranes as well as devices which comprise the inventive adsorption membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: A thermosensitive stencil paper having a thermoplastic resin film and a porous resin layer which is provided on the thermoplastic resin film by coating a porous resin layer formation coating liquid including a water-in-oil emulsion of a resin on the thermoplastic resin film and drying the coating liquid. In addition, the method of producing the above-mentioned thermosensitive stencil paper is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for curing a defect in the fabrication of a composite gas separation module and to composite gas separation modules formed by a process that includes the method. The present invention also relates to a method for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream. The method for curing a defect in the fabrication of a composite gas separation module includes depositing a first material over a porous substrate, thereby forming a coated substrate, wherein the coated substrate contains at least one defect. Then, the coated substrate can be selectively surface activated proximate to the defect, thereby forming at least one selectively surface activated region of the coated substrate. A second material can be then preferentially deposited on the selectively surface activated region of the coated substrate, whereby the defect is cured.

Abstract: Measurement in the frequency range 3 mHz–106 Hz of the dielectric characteristics of emeraldine base polyaniline dissolved in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) and cast into bulk free-standing polymer films shows features similar to those reported by others and which are a result of microphase separation into reduced and oxidized repeat units. However, upon confinement into the cylindrical pores, of average diameter 20 nm, of a porous membrane such features of microphase separation do not occur. The microphase separation observed in the bulk polymer is suppressed by strong pinning of the charge carriers due to interactions of the polymer with pore walls together with constrained chain packing and a non-uniform rate of evaporation of the NMP solvent from the pores. This enhances the bulk conductivity after doping by reducing the internal intra-chain disorder introduced by microphase separation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: A method of producing a material library of surface areas having different properties is described, in which mixtures of substances are applied to a substrate by a combinatory method so that a combinatory system is obtained. At least two suspensions are used to produce the mixtures.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures include (a) a mixture of pre-vulcanized and non-vulcanized elastomeric polymers; (b) an acid or base treated dispersed, substantially exfoliated silicate filler material that has not been functionalized with organic cations having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. The coating retains its permeability properties under strain and has a strain to first damage of at least 10% biaxial elongation at 0% RH. Coated articles, free standing films and membranes, which are flexible and elastomeric, are produced using the barrier coating mixtures. Methods of manufacturing of such coated products are also encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous media or membranes having a surface coating that includes a first coating of a cross-linked terpolymer and a second coating comprising a copolymer or a terpolymer modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group which has a superior combination of properties, including heat stable biomolecule resistant adsorptive properties, resistance to strong alkaline solutions, and low levels of extractable matter.

Abstract: Porous coatings on high-performance ceramics attempt to combine the mechanical and thermal characteristics, which fulfil stringent demands, of the substrate material with the advantageous properties of coating materials. The subsequent application of layers of this type to the pre-sintered substrate produces unsatisfactory results in several areas of use with regard to possible layer thickness, porosity and adhesion. According to the invention, a shaped body consisting of a sintered, inorganic material, whose surface comprises a porous layer is produced in such a way that the base body is first formed as a green body. A layer in the form of a suspension, also containing an inorganic material, is then applied to the surface or to one section of the surface of the base body. A predetermined fraction of a pore-forming substance is mixed with at least the material of said layer and the green body with its applied layer is subjected to the thermal treatments required for producing a monolithic sintered body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a non-thrombogenic semipermeable membrane comprising a support semipermeable membrane and an anticoagulant suitable for treating blood and plasma by extracorporeal circulation. The invention is characterized in that: the support membrane is made essentially of a polyacrylinitrile, bearing anionic groups or groups capable of being anionic; the surface of the support semipermeable membrane designed to be in contact with blood or plasma is coated successively with a cationic polymer and an anticoagulant. The invention also concern an exchanger for treating blood or plasma by extracorporeal circulation comprising two sections separated by a non-thrombogenic semipermeable, membrane and a method for making the exchanger.

Abstract: Cross flow filtration cartridges are made using semipermeable membrane of sheet formation that was cast upon an integral polymeric fibrous support material which exhibits excellent permeate flow in the plane thereof and serves as both backing material and permeate carrier. A fibrous support having a thickness between about 0.4 mm and about 2 mm and at least one surface region with a mean pore size no greater than about 300 microns has a semipermeable membrane cast in situ thereupon from a liquid solution. After gelling to form a polymeric semipermeable membrane, the product is spirally wound about a porous tube in association with feed-passageway-providing sheet material, but in the absence of any separate permeate carrier, to form an effective cross-flow filtration cartridge wherein the feed flow may be spiral and the permeate discharge through one of the side edges.

Abstract: Novel low pressure reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes and a process for their preparation are disclosed. Polyamide reverse osmosis membranes are contacted with organic sulfonic acid solutions without the need for additional treatment by a rejection enhancing agent. These membranes provide sodium chloride rejections of greater than 20 percent and water fluxes greater than 15 gallons per square foot per day at a test pressure of 75 psi. Optimally treated membranes when tested similarly on 0.2 percent magnesium sulfate provide rejections greater than 95 percent with water fluxes greater than 15 gallons per square foot per day.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering bioproducts from a feed solution. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a module housing, a membrane means disposed in the housing for filtering the bioproducts from the feed solution wherein a portion of the membrane means is coated with a polymeric coating, and an adsorbent bed disposed in the housing for retaining the bioproducts which permeate through the membrane, wherein the apparatus is adapted to allow fractionation and purification of the retained bioproducts from the bed by elution.

Abstract: A diffusion media and a process for its fabrication are provided for addressing issues related to water management in electrochemical cells and other devices employing the diffusion media. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a process for fabricating a diffusion media is provided. A diffusion media substrate is provided comprising a porous fibrous matrix defining first and second major faces. The substrate comprises an amount of carbonaceous material sufficient to render the substrate electrically conductive. A mesoporous layer is applied along at least a portion of one of the first and second major faces of the substrate. The mesoporous layer is applied to the substrate by providing a coating comprising a hydrophobic component, a hydrophilic component, and a pore forming agent. The substrate is free of fluorinated polymers outside of regions of the substrate carrying the mesoporous layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

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. The porous ceramic layers can be filled with hydrophobizing, hydrophilizing, dirt-repellent and corrosion-inhibiting substances which remain in the substrate or are supplied later on demand, or with bactericidal substances, aromatics, perfumes or inhalation substances which are delivered to the room air in precise doses.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous silica film having mechanical strength utilizeses a surfactant, one or more kinds of nonionic surfactant(s) having a 0.1 weight % concentration according to the Du Nouy method expression and a surface tension of 45 mN/m or larger at 25° C. is (are) used as a surfactant, a mixed solution obtained by mixing this nonionic surfactant, a hydrolyzable alkoxysilane compound, water and an alcohol is coated on the substrate, and the surfactant in this mixed solution is decomposed or burned out to form a porous silica film. The surfactant is suitably represented by formula OH(CH2CH2O)x(CH(CH3)CH2O)y(CH2CH2O)xH where x and y denote an integer satisfying 1?x?185 and 5?y?70, respectively. Alternatively, a mixed solution in which a dimethyldialkoxysilane is added may be used.

Abstract: A porous SOG film is formed by preparing an organic silane solution containing an organic silane, water and an alcohol, subjecting the organic silane to acid hydrolysis or alkali hydrolysis and then heat-treating the resulting reaction system in the presence of a surfactant to thus form a porous SiO2 film to use for an interlayer insulating film. Alternatively, a porous SOG film is formed by repeating the foregoing step at least one time; or by forming a hydrophobic film on the porous SiO2 film prepared by the foregoing step by the CVD or sputtering technique to thus cap the surface of the porous film; or repeating the porous film-forming and capping steps at least one time. Moreover, after the preparation of the foregoing porous SiO2 film, it is subjected to either of the oxygen plasma-treatment, electron beam-irradiation treatment and UV light-irradiation treatment to remove the unreacted OH groups remaining on the porous film and to thus form a porous SOG film.

Abstract: Porous hydrophilic membranes comprising a porous inert support on which an ionomer is deposited, said membranes being characterized in that they have a water permeability higher than 1 l/(h.m2.Atm).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a microporous ceramic material and includes the steps of (a) preparing a starting material for firing comprising a nonoxide ceramic precursor containing silicon as an essential component; (b) heating the starting material for firing in an atmosphere containing at least 1 mol % of hydrogen so as to form microporous ceramic product; and (c) cooling the microporous ceramic product.

Abstract: Membranes and methods for making membranes are disclosed. The membranes include a polymeric matrix and a particulate material immobilized within the matrix. The membranes may find particular application in methods and apparatus for removing organic compounds from a biological fluid as part of a pathogen inactivation treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silicone-coated organic solvent resistant polyamide composite nanofiltration membrane and a method for preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nanofiltration composite membrane that is not only rejection rate superior but also organic solvent stable and flux excellent, prepared by coating with silicone during the process of interfacial polymerization of polyamide on the surface of porous support; and a method for producing it.

Abstract: The invention provides microfabricated silicon substrates and devices having extremely small apertures (termed “nanoapertures”) and methods for producing such nanoapertures. The devices have a nanoaperture (which may have a diameter ranging from about a few millimeters to as small as a few nm) across a substrate effective to connect two regions separated by the substrate. The devices are suitable for the formation of lipid bilayer membranes across the apertures, and for use in devices such as biosensors. Substrates and devices may include multiple nanoapertures, which may each support a lipid bilayer membrane, allowing fault tolerant devices such as fault-tolerant biosensors, and allowing devices able to sense more than one target molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high quality composite materials from fibrous materials, in which the composite incorporates a polymer matrix embedding individual fibers. The matrix is derived from polymer particles which penetrate into a strand and substantially fill gaps between individual fibers. Such penetration can occur by exposing the strand to a stable emulsion of the polymer particles. The invention also relates to novel composite structures which incorporation of various types of fibrous segments. These composite structures allow the use of inexpensive and readily available scrap materials. The composites of the present invention are lightweight materials displaying enhanced strength and durability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrophilic charged microporous membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a coating comprising a charge-providing agent. The present invention further provides a hydrophilic charged membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a hydrophilic charge-providing agent distributed within the substrate. The present invention further provides a filter as well as a filter device comprising the inventive hydrophilic charged membrane. The present invention further provides a process for treating a fluid containing bacterial contaminants such as endotoxins comprising contacting the membrane with the fluid to provide a bacterial contaminant depleted fluid.

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 ceramic-made filter for capturing the particulates present in the exhaust gas discharged from diesel engines, wherein a ceramic particles layer made of heat-resistant ceramic particles is formed on a filter by coating, the heat-resistant ceramic particles having a BET specific surface area of 300 m2/g or less. In this ceramic-made filter, the melting of the filter caused by the ash remaining and accumulating after the particulates captured by the filter have been burnt, can be prevented easily without using a large system or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes that may be used in a number of commercial applications in which a contaminant, such as salt, must be separated from a feed fluid, such as brackish water, to yield a purified product fluid, as well as a method for manufacturing such membranes. According to embodiments of the invention, an aqueous amine solution including an amine, an organic acid (e.g., propionic acid) and a non-amine base is applied to the surface of a porous substrate. A second solution containing an acyl halide and an organic solvent immiscible in water is then applied to the aqueous amine solution to cause interfacial polymerization to occur. The resulting membranes exhibit superior salt rejection and flux properties.

Abstract: An ink jet recording medium comprising a water-impermeable substrate, a first porous layer formed on the substrate, and a second porous layer formed on the first porous layer, wherein the psychometric lightness (L*) at a black solid printed portion with a black dye ink is at most 5.0.

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 forming an optical thin film used for optical elements of laser systems including high-energy lasers and an optical element of optical apparatuses is provided. The optical thin film can be easily formed on a desired substrate with reproducibility by vapor-depositing a porous fluoride layer for preventing reflection in the deep ultraviolet region, and can be easily removed in a short time to reuse the substrate if the thin film damaged. A water-insoluble material (2) for preventing reflection is vapor-deposited onto an optical element substrate (1). A water-soluble material (3) having a higher particle energy is vapor-deposited onto the surface of the water-insoluble material (2). The water-soluble material (3) permeates deep into the water-insoluble material (2) to form a mixed film on the surface of the substrate (1). Then, the water-soluble material (3) is dissolved and removed to form a porous thin film (5) comprising the water-insoluble material (2).

Abstract: A water-vapor-permeable, watertight, heat-reflecting flat composite is made by a process of combining a metal layer and a nonporous, water-vapor-permeable, watertight, hydrophilic flat substrate. The process includes at least the three steps of (1) selecting the substrate, (2) pre-cleaning the substrate, and (3) applying the substrate to the metal layer. Such a composite offers protection from heat loss, infrared-based detection, ultraviolet radiation, electro-smog, and static electricity.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making ultra micro fiber artificial leather. Firstly, a substrate is made from ultra micro fibers of sea-island type and a reinforcement layer via needle punch or water jet. The ultra micro fibers all include a sea component and island components. Then, the sea component of each of the ultra micro fibers is dissolved. Finally, the substrate is submerged in elastomeric resin.

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: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing reinforced, three-zone, microporous membrane having a plurality of different possible pore sizes from at least a single mother dope batch, including formulating at least a single mother dope batch, controllably formulating the dope in at least one vessel such that the dope temperature does not exceed a predetermined maximum mixing temperature and is maintained at a temperature lower than the mixing temperature, heating a small portion of the dope to a target temperature corresponding to a specific desired pore size to be formed in at least one zone of the microporous membrane in at least one thermal manipulation apparatus cooling the dope to about room temperature or a temperature which results in a suitable and/or optimal coating viscosity, operatively connecting at least one dope application apparatus is to the at least one thermal manipulation apparatus for transporting the manipulated dope to a dope processing site.

Abstract: Silica-based low dielectric constant materials having three-dimensional network structures containing siloxane backbones which comprise SiO4 tetrahedron structural units, as well as their production and use. The materials can be applied as interlayer dielectrics for semiconductor elements and the like.

Abstract: An at least two layer, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane is disclosed. The at least two layer, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane may include at least two different membrane pore size layers or the pore sizes may have about the same pore size. Apparatus and processes for fabricating at least a two layer unsupported, continuous, microporous membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for forming a filter material are provided. The processes include the steps of coating a filter particle with a lignosulfonate, carbonizing the coating, and activating the coating.

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: A method for preparing carbon molecular sieve membrane is invented. A thin carbon-containing film is first deposited on a porous substrate. The thin film is then bombarded by high energy ions for surface modification. The surface modified film is then baked or calcined at a high temperature. The carbon molecular sieve membrane prepared according to the present invention can be used for gas separation as well as liquid separation, ions or solvents, etc., exhibiting improved permeance and improved selectivity simultaneously in gas separation. The ion bombardment includes generating plasma and ions in a gas phase, and applying a negative bias voltage to the substrate.