Abstract: The invention relates to the production of nanoporous silica dielectric films and to semiconductor devices and integrated circuits comprising these improved films. The nanoporous films of the invention are prepared using silicon containing pre-polymers and are prepared by a process that allows crosslinking at lowered gel temperatures by means of a metal-ion-free onium or nucleophile catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adsorption membranes comprising microporous polymer membranes in which adsorbent particles are incorporated. 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: A synthetic leather is made by a impregnating a non-woven or woven textile with an aqueous polyurethane dispersion comprised of a nonionizable polyurethane and an external stabilizing surfactant. The impregnated textile is then exposed to water containing a coagulant for a coagulation time sufficient to coagulate the dispersion. The method may be used to form a synthetic leather having excellent wet ply adhesion and may contain an insoluble multivalent cation organic acid.

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: A method for producing a disk-shaped substrate 10 used for producing an optical disk includes: (a) forming a protective layer 12a that is larger in area than the disk-shaped substrate 10 on a surface of a transparent plate 11a; and (b) cutting a portion of the plate 11a with the protective layer 12a formed thereon other than an outer edge portion of the protective layer 12a to form a disk shape. According to this producing method, a thin substrate can be prevented from being damaged by forming a protective layer. Furthermore, according to this producing method, a protective layer with a uniform thickness can be formed.

Abstract: A defect free semipermeable composite membrane having excellent integrity and high water permeability is provided. Said composite membrane comprises an inside support layer to provide sufficient mechanical strength; an outside barrier layer to provide selective separation; and a middle layer to provide both physical adhesion and chemical binding between said support and said barrier layer to bond them together. Three different methods for making said defect free composite membrane are discovered. These methods have been successfully utilized to produce high quality coatings and defect free composite membranes, which are independent of chemical composition and physical structure of said support. In the present invention, ultrasonic sonication is discovered to be effective to speed up the phase inversion process of a membrane casting solution, thus allows produce a composite membrane at a speed much higher than those disclosed in the prior art.

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: The present invention provides methods for selectively removing organic compound from a nano-composite material which comprises the organic compound that is dispersed within a solid inorganic compound structure. In particular, methods of the present invention comprise irradiating the nano-composite material with electromagnetic radiation wavelength that is shorter than the wavelength of visible light.

Abstract: The present invention is a grafted polymer electrolyte membrane prepared by first preparing a precursor membrane comprising a polymer which is capable of being graft polymerized, exposing the surface of the precursor membrane to a plasma in an oxidative atmosphere, then graft-polymerizing a side chain polymer to the plasma treated precursor membrane and introducing a proton conductive functional group to the side chain. The resulting grafted polymer electrolyte membrane has excellent stability and performance when used in a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell or for electrolysis of water.

Abstract: A method of producing an aerogel layer on a substrate is described. A precursor mixture is provided by mixing at least one material selected from the group consisting of silicates, metal alcolates, aluminates and borates with a solvent. The precursor mixture is used to form a lyosol. The precursor mixture or the lyosol formed therefrom is then applied to the substrate wherein a layer of the lyosol is formed on the substrate. A gel is formed from the lyosol by chemical conversion at a temperature at which the solvent is present in a liquid state. At a pressure between 0.5-2.0 torr the ambient temperature is reduced by about 3-70k below the point at which the solvent is converted into a solid state. The solvent is then converted into a gaseous state in a drying chamber while reducing the pressure of the solvent below the triple point and removing solvent from the gel layer.

Abstract: A two-step method for producing monolithic alumina aerogels having porosities of greater than 80 percent. Very strong, very low density alumina aerogel monoliths are prepared using the two-step sol-gel process. The method of preparing pure alumina aerogel modifies the prior known sol method by combining the use of substoichiometric water for hydrolysis, the use of acetic acid to control hydrolysis/condensation, and high temperature supercritical drying, all of which contribute to the formation of a polycrystalline aerogel microstructure. This structure provides exceptional mechanical properties of the alumina aerogel, as well as enhanced thermal resistance and high temperature stability.

Abstract: Flexible polyurethane, polyacrylic and polybutadiene foams can be obtained with cyclopentane as a blowing agent and are useful as coatings for leather or leather substitutes.

Abstract: A recording material suitable for ink jet printing, and a method for making the same. The recording material includes a dye-receiving layer, a support layer, and one or more microporous membrane layers. The microporous membrane layer(s) can be interposed between the dye-receiving layer and the support layer, and/or can be disposed on a side of the dye-receiving layer opposing the support layer. The microporous membrane layer preferably has pores with, on average, a pore size in a range of from about 0.01 &mgr;m to about 10 &mgr;m, and more preferably in a range of from about 0.1 &mgr;m to about 1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet is prepared by impregnating a fibrous substrate, which may comprise a microfine fiber-forming fiber, with a thermally gellable composite resin emulsion obtained by emulsion-polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer (B) in the presence of a polyurethane emulsion (A) at a weight ratio of 90/10 to 10/90, solidifying the thermally gellable composite emulsion in the impregnated fibrous substrate, and if the fibrous substrate is a microfine fiber-forming fiber, converting the microfine fiber-forming fiber to a microfine fiber. After impregnation, the emulsion in the impregnated fibrous substrate is thermally solidified, thereby producing a leather-like sheet having excellent softness and fulfillment feeling, and good hand feel, feel and physical properties like that of natural leather. A film of the composite resin has a specific elastic modulus.

Abstract: An air breathing power source is mounted in a water impervious housing with a hydrophobic membrane across an opening in its top surface. The housing is secured by flexible straps over a users shoulders so that it is normally carried across the users back, but floats up with the air breathing top surface above the water when the user enters water up to and above shoulder level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bacteriostatic dehumidifying element that includes additives which inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The dehumidifying element is produced by a method that comprises the steps of: a) providing a piece of paper, such as facing paper and/or fluted paper; b) immersing the paper in a highly concentrated waterglass solution at a temperature c) in the range of 45-95° C., where said highly concentrated waterglass solution has a viscosity of at least 350 mPa·s at a temperature of 45° C.; d) cooling the immersed paper with air at a temperature of at highest 35° C., aid preferably at highest 25° C.

Abstract: A method of treating a membrane (16) comprises the steps of providing a membrane (16) with a structure of node (22) and fibrils (24). Surfaces of the nodes (22) and fibrils (24) define a plurality of pores (26) extending through the membrane (16). The membrane (16) is made from an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material. A water-based dispersion of oleophobic fluoropolymer solids in a water-soluble solvent is provided. The dispersion has surface tension and relative contact angle properties such that the diluted dispersion is incapable of wetting the polytetrafluoroethylene material of the membrane (16). The dispersion is diluted with a liquid wetting agent so the diluted dispersion can wet the membrane (16). Surfaces of the nodes (22) and fibrils (24) are coated with the solids in the diluted dispersion. The wetting agent material and other fugitive material are removed.

Abstract: In a process for making a leather-like sheet by impregnating a fibrous substrate with a polyurethane emulsion, heat gellable polyurethane emulsion having a specific modulus of elasticity is employed as the polyurethane emulsion, and either of following methods (1) and (2) is also employed: (1) before impregnation of the polyurethane emulsion, the fibrous substrates are pretreated with a surfactant having a function of inhibiting adhesion between fibers and polyurethane (2) in addition to the above modulus of elasticity, the polyurethane emulsion has a specific &agr; dispersion temperature, the fibrous substrates are composed of microfine fiber-forming fibers, and after coagulation of polyurethane emulsion, the fibers are converted to microfine fibers. The leather-like sheets obtained according to this invention exhibits natural leather-like softness and hand touchness as well as excellent physical properties such as bending fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A surface-coated nanoporous silica dielectric film that is prepared by a process comprising the steps of forming a nanoporous silica dielectric coating on a substrate, and coating the formed nanoporous silica dielectric film with a coating composition comprising a polymer precursor, under conditions effective to form a strength-enhancing and/or hydrophobicity enhancing layer on the treated nanoporous silica dielectric film.

Abstract: A process for making a reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical microporous filtration membrane comprising a porous support material and a continuous microporous membrane having a middle region disposed between an upper region and a lower region, wherein said support material is embedded within said middle region and said middle region has a pore size at least about 50% greater than the pore size of at least one of said upper region and said lower region.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed for use in dispensing a process liquid onto a surface of a wafer. The apparatus may include a bowl having a bottom and a side defining an interior region. An air ring is disposed in the interior region to define an upper plenum in fluid communication with a lower plenum. The air ring may have at least one flow path therethrough to said lower plenum, preferably in the form of a plurality of holes in a circumferential groove. Also in a preferred embodiment, a top ring is provided to further define the upper plenum. A semiconductor wafer that has a liquid dispensed thereon, may be supported within the bowl to contact portions of the air ring to remove excess liquid migrating to the underside of the wafer. The excess liquid may be drained through the air ring into the lower plenum wherein it is removed by a drain. A solvent dispenser may be provided in the air ring to apply a solvent to the underside of the wafer.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a nanofiltration composite membrane that is solvent and pH stable and may be used to separate at least one dissolved or suspended component from a liquid phase, including(a) a substrate ultrafiltration membrane formed from an ethylenically unsaturated nitrile, such as acrylonitrile and substituted acrylonitrile polymers, and(b) a coating of a hydrophilic polymer containing reactive functional groups.Preferably, the reactive functional groups described in (b) are subjected to a post-coating cross-linking reaction with a substantially non-cytotoxic cross-linking agent such as bi-functional aldehydes. A method for the preparation of such composite membranes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polymer pore filter for filtering kaolin particles from an aqueous medium, comprising the steps of: coating and partially impregnating at least one face of a woven polyester textile substrate with a polyether based polyurethane polymer; coagulating the polymer by heating in the presence of a coagulant; and forming the polymer simultaneously with or immediately after coagulation.

Abstract: A process for producing a three zone, reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical microporous membrane including a porous support material encapsulated within a middle zone disposed between an upper zone and a lower zone wherein at least one of the three zones has a pore size at least about twenty (20%) percent greater than the pore size of the other two zones is disclosed. Apparatus for fabricating a three zone, reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical, microporous membrane and the fabricated membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal insulation is produced by forming aerogels interstitially within a fiber matrix. The resulting composite structures have substantially no fiber--fiber contacts. The insulating product is made by impregnating the fiber matrix with an aerogel forming precursor and supercritically drying the aerogel precursor under pressure. Drying is conducted prior to aging of the aerogel precursor.

Abstract: A process for making PU air permeable nubuck sheets includes coating a separable release substrate material such an cloth, plastics, or paper with a polyurethane (PU) resin preparation before disposing the same in an impregnation tank to allow the PU resin to congeal into a sheet of minute pores attached to the release substrate material. The release substrate material together with the sheet is soaked in a wash tank to rinse off residual dimethyformamide (DMP) A beck surface of the release substrate material is coated with a water soluble resin (which may later dissolve in water and then be rinsed off) and the release substrate material is put into an oven to dry and then removed to a grinder for processing into a nubuck sheet with the feel and visual characteristics of real nubuck. The nubuck sheet is washed in a wash tank to rinse off the water soluble resin, dried, subjected to surface finishing, and than separated from the release substrate material to obtain a PU air permeable nubuck sheet.

Abstract: A process for forming a nanoporous dielectric coating on a substrate. The process includes either (i) combining a stream of an alkoxysilane composition with a stream of a base containing catalyst composition to form a combined composition stream; immediately depositing the combined composition stream onto a surface of a substrate and exposing the combined composition to water (in either order or simultaneously); and curing the combined composition; or (ii) combining a stream of an alkoxysilane composition with a stream of water to form a combined composition stream; immediately depositing the combined composition stream onto a surface of a substrate; and curing the combined composition.

Abstract: A process for forming a coated article having a wear resistant coating that minimizes the generation and effects of wear debris is provided. Three independent mechanisms are operative: hard crystalline debris are avoided by specifying that all coating phases harder than 1000 VHN be amorphous, large wear debris from the coating are avoided by including finely dispersed porosity in the coating, and debris in the wear area is removed by a textured surface on some portion of the coating. The process for applying the coating need not use materials that are extremely hazardous to man and the environment.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers, glass microballoons and/or diatoms, bound together with a ceramic reinforcing cloth with a sol-gel ceramic binder. The composite is particularly useful as a high strength, high temperature insulation material.

Abstract: A method for preparing aerogel thin films by an ambient-pressure, continuous process. The method of this invention obviates the use of an autoclave and is amenable to the formation of thin films by operations such as dip coating. The method is less energy intensive and less dangerous than conventional supercritical aerogel processing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electrode for an electric cell or supercapacitor containing a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte, the electrode comprising an electronically conducting porous first layer including at least one first face covered with a microporous second layer constituted by a polymeric material, the electrode being characterized in that said second layer is produced by coagulation of said polymer from a solution of said polymer impregnating said first face.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable, fire-resistant laminate is provided for use in tents, garments, shoes, and covers, especially in industrial, military and emergency situations. The laminate permits water vapor evaporation while simultaneously preventing liquid water penetration. Further, the laminate is fire-resistant and significantly reduces the danger of toxic compound production when exposed to flame or other high heat source. The laminate may be applied to a variety of substrates and is comprised of a silicone rubber and plurality of fire-resistant, inherently thermally-stable polyimide particles.

Abstract: A composite hollow fiber membrane is provided, which includes a microporous hollow fiber support membrane and a polymeric ultrathin layer formed on the outer surface of the microporous hollow fiber support membrane by interfacial polymerization, and which contains an organic fluorine compound. Also provided is a process for its production, in which a microporous hollow fiber support membrane is successively contacted with first and second solutions involved in the polymerization, but it is further contacted with a third liquid which is substantially immiscible with the first and/or second solutions and which contains an organic fluorine compound, before and/or after contact with the second solution. Thus, it becomes possible to produce a composite hollow fiber membrane exhibiting excellent permeability and selectivity performance in a continuous and stable manner.

Abstract: Inorganic membranes such as zeolite membranes or other molecular sieve membranes can be provided by using silicone polymer material as starting material. A thin film zeolite membrane or a thin film membrane formed of interlocking zeolite crystals can be provided. Water soluble or water insoluble silicones can be treated in a basic solution under conditions and with an appropriate structure directing template, suitable aluminum content and at a temperature that is appropriate for growing a desired inorganic crystal framework. The membranes can be formed across the perforation of a support, such as a steel screen.

Abstract: A process for producing a molecular sieve silica membrane comprising depositing a hybrid organic-inorganic polymer comprising at least one organic constituent and at least one inorganic constituent on a porous substrate material and removing at least a portion of the at least one organic constituent of the hybrid organic-inorganic polymer, forming a porous film.

Abstract: This invention pertains generally to aging methods suited to aerogel thin film fabrication, and particularly to techniques for improving gel strength and/or aerogel dielectric constant by a rapid aging technique, which avoid damage or premature drying of wet gel thin films during aging. A substrate having a wet gel thin film deposited thereon is contacted with a saturated water vapor atmosphere, preferably at an elevated pressure and a temperature greater than 100.degree. C. The method may comprise a vapor-phase exchange step to remove low boiling point pore liquids such as ethanol prior to or during aging. The method may also comprise a vapor-phase exchange step to replace water in the wet gel with another pore liquid such as acetone to stop the aging process and prepare the wet gel for drying. A vapor-phase aging catalyst (e.g. ammonia) may also be used to enhance the aging process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous gastight film of zeolites on a porous underlayer, a zeolite membrane obtainable by calcining the gastight zeolite film, and a module with such a gastight zeolite film, which module consists of a membrane housing and a supported membrane, the whole of membrane housing and supported membrane being composed of not more than two materials.

Abstract: A tetraethyl orthosilicate-based, sol-gel glass composition with additives selected for various applications. The composition is made by mixing ethanol, water, and tetraethyl orthosilicate, adjusting the pH into the acid range, and aging the mixture at room temperature. The additives, such as an optical indicator, filler, or catalyst, are then added to the mixture to form the composition which can be applied to a substrate before curing. If the additive is an indicator, the light-absorbing characteristics of which vary upon contact with a particular analyte, the indicator can be applied to a lens, optical fiber, reagant strip, or flow cell for use in chemical analysis. Alternatively, an additive such as alumina particles is blended into the mixture to form a filler composition for patching cracks in metal, glass, or ceramic piping.

Abstract: A method for preparing highly selective asymmetric polymer membranes for gas separation is provided wherein the polymer is dissolved in a volatile solvent containing dioxane, and a film or tube extrusion of the polymer solution is formed. Some of the solvent is evaporated and the film or tube is contacted with a coagulant comprising acetic acid and water. The film or the tube is then dried.

Abstract: A slurry is molded from ceramic fibers and/or microparticles to form a soft felt mat which is impregnated with a sol prior to drying the mat. A catalyst for the sol is caused to diffuse into the mat by exposing the mat to the catalyst and subjecting the mat to a soak time during which the catalyst diffuses into the mat and causes the sol to gel. The sol-gel binder forms bonds so that the mat is dimensionally stabilized. The mat is dried to produce ceramic insulation, ceramic insulation having a consistent microstructure and a fully gelled sol-gel binder through its entire thickness.

Abstract: A means of permanently characterizing a glass workpiece (1) which is subjected to a heat treatment period during processing. An organic paint is utilized to apply identifying characteristics (3), and an inorganic bake-on paint is used to create an opaque permanent layer (5) in the region of the identifying characteristics (3). Heat treatment is utilized to create surface marks (4) on the workpiece (1) from the vaporization and burning of the organic paint into the inorganic paint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly water-pressure-resistant and highly moisture-permeable waterproof sheet comprising a fabric and a wet coagulated polyurethane film thereon, a organophilic clay complex prepared by introducing a quaternary ammonium ion into the interlayers of a expandable phillosilicate being dispersed into the wet coagulated polyurethane film in an amount of 0.5 to 20% by weight based on the solid component of the polyurethane, and the waterproof sheet having a water pressure resistance of at least 5,000 mm and a moisture permeability of at least 8,000 g/m.sup.2.24 hr. The waterproof sheet is prepared by a process comprising dissolving a polyurethane in a solvent containing mainly a nitrogen-containing polar solvent, dispersing a organophilic clay complex which is prepared by introducing a quaternary ammonium ion into the interlayers of a expandable phillosilicate into the polyurethane-containing solution in an amount of 0.

Abstract: A process is provided for fabricating composite membranes by coating a porous substrate with a solution of selective polymer. A reserve of non-solvent medium is incorporated in the substrate pore network which allows the substrate to be successfully coated with a polymer solution formulated in a solvent medium which is also a solvent for the substrate material.

Abstract: A highly flexible leather-like sheet material has a base layer of a fibrous aggregate containing a first polymer principally containing a first elastic polymer and, provided on the surface thereof, a coating layer of a second polymer principally comprising a second elastic polymer, said coating layer containing the two layers of a wet-formed porous intermediate coating layer integrated with the base layer and having a thickness of 10 to 40 .mu.m and having continuous pores with a maximum pore diameter of 1 to 30 .mu.m and a dry-formed porous surface coating layer having a thickness of 20 to 80 .mu.m and having continuous pores with a maximum pore diameter of substantially not more than 20 .mu.m and an average pore diameter of, preferably, 1 to 5 .mu.m obtained by extracting off fine particles, the two layers both containing a softening agent.

Abstract: A method to improve bonding of breathable coatings onto fabrics uses a hydrophobic polyurethane resin solution having isocyanates and/or double bond polar group crosslinking agents. The substrates used for coating are nylon and polyester taffeta.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabricating an asymmetric fluoropolymer membrane comprised of a fluoropolymer material, the membrane having a first surface comprised of a dense layer of the fluoropolymer material, and an opposite second surface comprised of a porous layer of the fluoropolymer material, comprising the steps of:(a) dissolving a fluoropolymer material in a solvent to form a solution;(b) depositing the solution on a casting surface; and(c) removing the solvent from the solution, thereby precipitating the membrane therefrom.The present invention also provides asymmetric fluoropolymer membranes comprised of a fluoropolymer material, wherein the membrane has a first surface comprised of a dense layer of the fluoropolymer material, and an opposite second surface comprised of a porous layer of the fluoropolymer material, and provides compositions for making the same.

Abstract: A process for improving the biocompatibility of cellulosic film membranes is characterized by the fact that the film membranes are coated during or after their preparation with cellulose ethers and/or cellulose esters and/or cellulose carbamates whose structures conform to the formulas ##STR1## wherein Cell is the skeleton of the unmodified cellulose molecule without hydroxyl groups; x conforms to the degree of modification, which is in the range of 0.002 to 3; R is an (optionally substituted) alkyl and/or alkenyl and/or aryl and/or arylalkyl group and the carbon chain of the group R contains 1 to 36 carbon atoms and may be interrupted by hetero atoms such as O, S, N, and contains basic and/or acidic groups such as 13 NR'.sub.2, --COOR', and/or --SO.sub.3 R' or their salts, wherein R'=H or R.

Abstract: A moisture-permeable waterproof fabric having a resin layer formed on at least one surface thereof, wherein the resin layer is composed of a mixture comprising a product obtained by reacting a urethane prepolymer having isocyanate terminals with an N-carboxyamino acid anhydride and an amine, and a polyurethane having a 100% modulus of at least 40 kg/cm.sup.2, the amount of the resin product contained in the resin layer is 12.9 to 85.3% by weight of total solid resin, and the amount of the urethane/amino acid copolymer contained in the resin layer is 0.9 to 9.0% by weight of total solid resin. The fabric has both an excellent moisture permeability and waterproofness, as well as an excellent abrasion resistance and washing fastness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a breathable coated fabric is disclosed. The method involves coating a fabric substrate with a resin then opening pores in the resin by directing a flow of air through the fabric substrate and resin coating. The pores provide breathability of the coated fabric and allow for a vapor or moisture transmission rate about ten times that of a resin coated fabric without pores.