Abstract: A polyimide membrane based on a polymer comprising polymerized units of a diselenide compound and having Formula I. A method of fabrication of the membrane using the polyimide-containing polymer and a method for separating one or more gases from a gaseous mixture using the membrane.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a symbol button for a vehicle includes: preparing a button body comprising a side portion, a top portion formed of a polymer material on which a metal is able to be plated; forming an electrically conductive layer on an outside of the button body using a conductive polymer material; forming a plating shielding layer in a form of a symbol using a material on which a metal is not able to be plated on the electrically conductive layer; and performing metal plating on the outside of the button body having the plating shielding layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to a method of fabricating a ceramic-polymer composite by contacting a polymer material with an acid solution and depositing a ceramic on the polymer material. The invention also relates in part to ceramic-polymer composites produced using said method and ballistic resistant materials comprising said ceramic-polymer composites.

Abstract: Articles with covalently attached thiocarbonylthio-containing groups are provided. More specifically, the articles include a solid polymeric substrate with a plurality of thiocarbonylthio-containing groups covalently attached directly to a carbon atom in a polymeric backbone of the solid polymeric substrate. Methods of making the articles with covalently attached thiocarbonylthio-containing are provided. Additionally, methods of using these articles to generate further articles with covalently attached polymeric chains are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyser cell. A direct electric current is applied to the water electrolyser cell. Water molecules are allowed to diffuse from a cathode compartment through a polymer electrolyte membrane into an anode compartment, to oxidize water molecules at an anode catalyst layer into protons, oxygen and electrons. The protons are allowed to migrate through a polymer electrolyte membrane into the cathode compartment and the protons are reduced at a cathode catalyst layer to produce hydrogen. The cell is supplied with water to the cathode compartment, and humidified air is supplied to the anode compartment. The invention also relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyser cell, a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyser stack and a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyser system.

Abstract: Multiple floor treatment operations, such as burnishing, polishing and scrubbing, may be performed using a single floor treatment machine having a motor, the speed of which is governed by a controller that responds to sensor signals indicative of the type of floor treatments pad or pads operatively coupled to the motor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing fabric with flat screen and digital printed patterns includes: singeing, pretreatment, flat screen scraping sizing, drying, pattern printing, humidification, steaming treatment, washing, and non-ironing and soft setting. The pretreatment is a biological enzyme pretreatment process including: cloth feeding at 75° C., dipping, scouring and bleaching in a working fluid, heating to 90° C. for treatment of 30 minutes, draining, hot water washing and cold water washing. A shortened process flow can be realized, and the positioned sizing that uses a flat screen to scrape a sizing agent to a pattern position to be digital spray-printed on instead of traditional full-width sizing for sizing and printing, which greatly reduces the amount of sizing agent used, lowers production cost and reduces waste water pollution, and solves problem that the fabric is mottled caused by the application of sizing agent in areas without printed pattern due to full-width sizing.

Abstract: A urinary catheter and container are described. The urinary catheter may have a catheter shaft attached to a handle, and a coating disposed on an outer surface of the catheter shaft. The coating may include a hydrogel, water and/or glycerin, and a polyethylene gylcol (PEG). The PEG may have a molecular weight equal to or less than 600, for example one or more of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 300 and PEG 400. The coating may be applied in a wet state and remain wet for an extended period of time in the container, thereby obviating the need for a lubricant, such as a water sachet or gel package, to accompany the catheter in the container. The container may include a gas impermeable foil material. The container may include an adhesive tab covering a perforated section, the adhesive tab including a pull loop.

Abstract: A metallized breathable composite textile includes a lining layer and a metallized non-woven sheet disposed on the lining layer. The metallized non-woven sheet includes a base layer containing a polymer and a metal layer deposited on a first surface of the base layer. The lining layer is connected to the metallized non-woven sheet via point contacts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon-fiber-reinforced composite including a plurality of stacked thermoplastic layers, and a plurality of carbon fiber reinforcing layers interposed between the thermoplastic layers, wherein the carbon-fiber-reinforced composite further comprises a stitching part stitched with an upper yarn and a lower yarn from outside of the thermoplastic layers at a folding location of the carbon-fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: A water filtration membrane is provided, capable of removing heavy metal ions, filtering out particulates, filtering out bacteria, as well as removing herbicides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water. The membrane is composed of a mat of randomly oriented nanoparticle-coated nanofibers. The nanofibers are covalently bonded to a plurality of substantially uniformly-distributed ceramic nanoparticles embedded in or adhered on the surface of the polymer nanofibers through reactive functional groups. The ceramic nanoparticles have a pattern of deep grooves formed on the nanoparticle surfaces. The bonding of the nanoparticles to the nanofibers is sufficient to retain the nanoparticles on the nanofiber surfaces when water flows through the water filtration membrane. The diameter of the nanofibers is 50-200 nm. The size of the nanoparticles is <40 nm, with a zeta potential of ?40 to ?45 mV in a dispersion medium. The nanoparticle deep grooves have an average size of approximately 1.2 nm or less.

Abstract: A dyeing and welding process may be configured to convert a substrate into a welded substrate having at least some color imparted thereto via a dye and/or coloring agent by applying a process solvent having a dye and/or coloring agent therein to the substrate, wherein the process solvent interrupts one or more intermolecular force between one or more component in the substrate. The substrate may be configured as a natural fiber, such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, and silk. The process solvent may include a binder, such as dissolved biopolymer (e.g., cellulose). After application of a process solvent comprised of a dye and/or coloring agent, the substrate may be exposed to a second application of a process solvent comprised of a binder, which second application may occur before or after a process temperature/pressure zone, process solvent recovery zone, and/or drying zone.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade (2) comprising an outer shell (6) incorporating a metallic foil component (20), a conductive blade component (12) in-board of the metallic foil component (20), and a fabric sheet assembly (22) positioned between the metallic component (20) and the conductive blade component (12). The fabric sheet assembly comprises: one or more non-conductive fabric sheets (28, 30) which define first and second outer surfaces (24, 26) of the fabric sheet assembly (22); and at least one conductive thread stitch (34) penetrating a depth of the one or more fabric sheets (28, 30) and being exposed at the outer surfaces (24, 26); thereby to enable equipotential bonding between the conductive blade component (12) and the metallic foil component (20).

Abstract: Radiation cured composite materials are greatly improved by enhancing the fiber to matrix bond by prewetting the fibers with an interface resin that has a curing agent mixed in with the interface resin. Furthermore, radiation curing the composite material at or near an expected operating temperature of the composite material improves the mechanical properties of the material by reducing thermally induced strains and stresses caused by thermally curing a material and subsequently cooling the material. Adding an interface resin with a curing agent to the fibers allows relatively thick parts, a must faster curing process, a wide variety of inexpensive and easily workable molding materials, the ability to maintain tight tolerances and reduce or eliminate springback, and a radiation cured material that approaches or exceeds the material characteristics of thermally cured composite materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to material sets for 3-dimensional printing. The material set can include a thermoplastic polymer powder having an average particle size from 20 ?m to 200 ?m, a conductive fusing agent composition including a transition metal, and nonconductive fusing agent composition. The nonconductive fusing agent composition can include transition metal oxide bronze particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an elongated object using a plasma process. The method comprises the steps of providing an elongated object in a planar electrode structure, and applying potential differences between electrodes of an electrode structure to generate the plasma process. Further, the method comprises at least partially surrounding the elongated object by a unitary section of the guiding structure, the electrode structure being associated with the unitary section.

Abstract: An item holding structure in which at least one convex part and/or a plurality of concave parts are provided in an upper end part of a side wall part on a vehicle interior side in a recess-shaped part provided in an interior material of a door of a vehicle and operable by a passenger when opening and closing the door, wherein the interior material of the door has a hollow part that recesses so as to project in an outer side of a vehicle width direction under the recess-shaped part, and the item held by the convex part and/or concave part can be accommodated in the recessed part.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a printed circuit nano-fiber web. A method of manufacturing a printed circuit nano-fiber web according to an embodiment of the present invention includes (1) a step of electrospinning a spinning solution including a fiber-forming ingredient to manufacture a nano-fiber web; and (2) a step of forming a circuit pattern to coat an outer surface of nano-fiber included in a predetermined region on the nano-fiber web using an electroless plating method. According to the present invention, a circuit pattern-printed nano-fiber web having flexibility and resilience suitable for future smart devices may be realized. In addition, a circuit pattern may be densely formed to a uniform thickness on a flexible nano-fiber web using an electroless plating method, and the flexible nano-fiber web may include a plurality of pores.

Abstract: An ion beam analysis method to quantitatively measure the presence of fluorinated compounds in aqueous samples. The method is a quick, cost effective, nondestructive and quantitative, screen for the presence of fluorinated compounds in solution. The present invention includes a novel method of using an ion beam analysis method (such as PIGE) in air (ex vacuo) to unambiguously easily, quickly, accurately, precisely and cost effectively identify the presence of fluorinated compounds (such as PFASs) that have been extracted from aqueous solutions. The present invention may be used with a wide variety of aqueous solutions, including environmental groundwater samples, with little processing.

Abstract: A composition and method of forming a wellbore cement that includes a cross-linked polyamide. The polyamide is formed by reacting a di-functional amine with an aromatic tri-functional carboxylic acid. The wellbore cement composition is created by blending cement and water with the polyamide and then allowed to cure. Increases in compressive strength, Young's Modulus, and Poisson's Ratio of the cement were realized by adding the polyamide to the cement composition.

Abstract: A composition and method of forming a wellbore cement that includes a cross-linked polyamide. The polyamide is formed by reacting a di-functional amine with an aromatic trifunctional carboxylic acid. The wellbore cement composition is created by blending cement and water with the polyamide and then allowed to cure. Increases in compressive strength, Young's Modulus, and Poisson's Ratio of the cement were realized by adding the polyamide to the cement composition.

Abstract: A decorative product includes a transparent member formed from an acrylic resin and a decorative layer arranged on a rear surface of the transparent member. A processed layer is located between the transparent member and the decorative layer. The processed layer is formed by performing a plasma treatment on the rear surface of the transparent member. The decorative layer is a metal layer formed on the processed layer formed by performing sputtering. The processed layer has the thickness L of less than or equal to 260 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic additive for use with fabric, fiber, and film. One aspect of the present invention comprises a master batch composition for use in preparing a non-woven fabric in order to increase the hydrophobicity of the non-woven fabric. In one embodiment, the master batch composition includes a polymer and a lipid ester. The lipid ester comprises 10 wt. % to 40 wt. % of the master batch. The fabric, when including the master batch composition, has a contact angle ranging from 100° to 125° when measured according to test method ASTM D2578.

Abstract: It is a modification apparatus (1) of a resin film (6) for making the surface of the resin film (6) hydrophilic. The modification apparatus (1) has a chamber (2), an unsaturated hydrocarbon supply device (3), and an ozone generating device (4). In the chamber (2), there are provided a supply roll (7) onto which the resin film (6) is previously wound, a take-up roll (8), and a shower head (10). While the resin film (6) wound onto the supply roll (7) is wound onto the take-up roll (8), a high-concentration ozone gas and an unsaturated hydrocarbon gas are supplied to the surface of the resin film (6) moving between the supply roll (7) and the take-up roll (8).

Abstract: A multi-layered film, a backsheet for photovoltaic modules, a method of manufacturing the same, and a photovoltaic module are provided. The multi-layered film can be configured so that a resin layer including a fluorine-based polymer and an oxazoline group-containing polymer is formed on a substrate. As a result, the resin layer including the fluorine-based polymer can have excellent durability and weather resistance, and show high interfacial adhesive strength to the substrate. During the preparation of the multi-layered film, a drying process can also be performed at a relatively low temperature, so that the manufacturing costs can be reduced and the quality of the product can be prevented from being deteriorated by thermal deformation or thermal shock. The multi-layered film may be effectively used as the backsheet in a variety of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-collapsing, moisture curable one component polyurethane foam (1K PU) composition from moisture curable polyurethane prepolymers and to methods of making weather resistant barriers and formed in place gaskets therefrom. The foam compositions are packed under pressure with a blowing agent. In the methods, the foams are applied to gaps in the exterior (sheathing) of a building under construction and collapse on cure to enable application an aqueous weather barrier coating thereover within an hour. The foams also cure when applied on or adjacent a structure to form a foam gasket that enables installation of additional structural elements over or adjacent the foam gasket without bowing or damage to the structure treated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of forming a thin metal layer on a dicyclopentadiene polymer surface and to constructs comprising the metalized layer.

Abstract: A method for marking an item including a shape memory polymer (SMP) having a visual readable and/or machine readable graphic element on the surface of the item. The method includes pretreating the surface of the item; colouring the surface of the item with a dye solution containing an organic dye and an organic solvent; cleaning and drying the surface of the item; and engraving by at least partially ablating the surface of the item. The dyeing process is suitable for colouring the surface of a shape memory polymer (SMP), wherein the information is engraved in a form of a code or other label on the coloured surface. The colouring causes an increased contrast and thus facilitates machine readability of marking and coding without affecting the other properties of the SMP.

Abstract: A panel including a surface made of a synthetic material may be subjected to a material removal process to create a specific decorative or architectural appearance. In one embodiment, a panel of cellular PVC is blasted with an abrasive material such as crushed glass to create a realistic stucco appearance on the panel surface. Benefits related to using certain synthetic materials as cladding may be realized, such as weather resistance. A coating containing aggregate may be applied to the blasted panel to enhance the surface appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic cushion made from a filled elastomer or softened thermoplastics and can be provided with a thin friction-reducing coating made from a non-polar, non-hydrophilic slip-increasing polymer coating namely poly(para-xylene). According to the invention, the above can be achieved by means of a method in which the polymerized polyurethane cushion is subjected to at least one pretreatment step in which volatile components are removed to such an extent as to be able to be immediately coated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal coated nano-fibres obtained by a process that includes electrospinning and to the use of said metal coated nano-fibres. The process is characterised in that a polymer nano-fibre with functional groups providing the binding ability to a reducing reagent is prepared by electrospinning at ambient conditions. Then this is contacted with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy ring on the surface of polymer nano-fibre and replacing with the reducing agent and the reducing agent modified film is reacted with metal solution in alkaline media. Finally the electrospun mat is treated with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure and crosslinking the chains to provide integrity.

Abstract: A metallic layer is formed on a resin-made dial plate main body by surface treatment. A front surface of the main body is provided with a circular or arc-shaped second design face around a rotation shaft of a pointer, and a first inwardly inclined face and an outwardly inclined face continued to the second design face so as to rim an inside and an outside of the second design face and gradually extending toward a rear surface as extending away from the second design face. These first inwardly inclined face and outwardly inclined face are provided on a smooth face. Other portions except these first inwardly inclined face and outwardly inclined face are provided on a corrugated face on which a plurality of convexes and concaves are formed and having a surface roughness rougher than the smooth face.

Abstract: An electroless nickel plating solution and a method of using the same is described. The electroless nickel plating solution comprises (i) a source of nickel ions; (ii) a reducing agent; (iii) one or more complexing agents; (iv) one or more bath stabilizers; (v) a brightener, said brightener comprising a sulfonated compound having sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups; and (vi) optionally, one or more additional additives. The use of the sulfonated compound brightener results in a bright electroless nickel deposit on various substrates having a high gloss value.

Abstract: A method is presented for making releasable transfer film suitable to provide a metalized embossed composite onto a paper substrate without a release layer between the composite and a polymeric carrier layer. The transfer film includes a polymeric base layer, an embossing material layer and a metal layer. The transfer film is bonded to the paper substrate with an adhesive layer allowing the polymeric barrier layer to peel away from and to expose the metal-backed, embossing material layer. The substrate covered with the metalized embossed composite can be used to impart holographic style images to packaging, printed media products such as magazines.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a nanofiber composite sheet, the method including preparing a base sheet, surface-treating the base sheet, and forming a substrate layer having a nanofiber structure on the surface-treated base sheet.

Abstract: A polymer sheet includes a polyurethane core. The polyurethane core has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The polymer sheet can have at least one functional layer overlying a major surface. The polymer sheet has a thickness tPS. The polyurethane core has a thickness tPC. In embodiments tPC can be at least 0.3 tPS. The polyurethane core can have at least one of the following property: (i) a Scratch Resistance Rating, as further described herein, of not greater than about 10 wt %, (ii) an elongation at break of at least 200%, (iii) a tensile strength at break of at least 0.3 MPa, (iv) a loss of tensile strength of not greater than about 30% when exposed to UV light according to standard SAE J1960 (Rev. August 2003). The polymer sheet can be used for gaskets or bonding tapes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a molded article, which can be perform the continuous processes and effectively impregnate a modifying material such as metal complexes in the thermoplastic resin for short period of time. The above object is achieved by providing the method of producing the thermoplastic resin molded article which includes impregnating the pressurized fluid having a modifying material dissolved therein, in thermoplastic resin; discharging the pressurized fluid from the thermoplastic resin in which the modifying material has been impregnated; and continuously molding the thermoplastic resin, in which the modifying material has been impregnated and from which the pressurized fluid has been discharged, into the form of a film.

Abstract: Metal-clad polymer articles containing structural fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein, are disclosed. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, automotive parts and components exposed to thermal cycling although the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of the metallic layer and the substrate are mismatched. The interface between the metallic layer and the polymer is suitably pretreated to withstand thermal cycling without failure.

Abstract: Described are antifog films useful for packaging food, and more particularly to antifog films that can be used as lidding films in trays made of amorphous polyester. The films may include at least one base layer or film, such as a polyester film, and a heat seal layer. The antifog layer is coated on the heat seal layer. The heat seal layer allows the antifog coating to more strongly adhere to the antifog film. The heat seal layer may be an amorphous polyester layer.

Abstract: A decorative laminate includes a decorative layer and a core layer. The decorative layer is composed of a resin impregnated decorative sheet. The core layer is composed of at least one resin impregnated sheet of core paper. The core paper is impregnated with a resin composed of phenol formaldehyde resin and wood molasses. In this manner, a substantial portion of the resin used to impregnate the core paper is replaced with wood molasses, which results in a reduction of the cost of manufacturing the decorative laminate. The decorative laminate is manufactured by preparing a resin impregnated decorative sheet and preparing at least one resin impregnated core sheet by impregnating a core sheet with a resin composition composed of phenol formaldehyde resin and wood molasses. The decorative sheet and the core sheet are then layered to form a laminate lay-up that is heated and pressed to consolidate and cure the laminate.

Abstract: Particles are embedded in a substrate by applying to at least a portion of the substrate a fluid and a population of particles, such that the substrate is softened to at least a degree that particles are at least partially embedded in the softened portion of the substrate. The softened portion of the substrate is hardened so as to securely embed the particles in the substrate.

Abstract: Multi-layer bodies comprising: 1) a base layer comprising at least one thermoplastic; nanoscale carbon black in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.15 wt. %; a demoulding agent based on a fatty acid ester in a concentration of from 0.1 to 0.5 wt. %, 2) at least on one side of the base layer a scratch-resistant coating based on polysiloxane having a thickness of from 2 to 15 ?m, comprising at least one UV absorber, wherein the sum of the values of the above-mentioned components of the base layer is 100 wt. %.

Abstract: Besides a method for manufacturing a carpet, the invention further relates to a carpet with a LRV higher than 30. In particular such carpet comprises yarns are made of PP/PA/PET/PTT/PBT, which are either white based or solution dyed based, and tufted on a white or very light woven or web substrate, such as PET and/or PP, pre-coated with a polyolefin such as HYPOD or SBR which is whitened with a filler, such as MgCO3, TiO2, ATH, and/or CaCO3, and which may comprise, in particular in the case of loose laid tiles, a secondary heavy coating consisting of a very light coloured secondary heavy coating such as a specific polyolefin, PVC, PVB, EVA or a (synthetic) bitumen, loaded with a filler pre-selected on lightness and purity as CaCO3 and/or ATH and/or specific salts, e.g. NaCl or TiO2.

Abstract: Cellulose diester films that include a cellulose diester; a plasticizer; a colorant; and an opacity additive may be useful for playing cards. In some instances, forming cellulose diester films may include preparing a dope that comprises a cellulose diester, a plasticizer, and a solvent; introducing a colorant and an opacity additive into the dope to yield a casting dope; and casting the casting dope into a cellulose diester film. Playing cards may then be produced by methods including, for example, cutting the cellulose diester film and printing on the cellulose diester film.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed polymer composition comprise a first unsaturated polymer or polymer precursor, and an effective amount of a peptizer. The peptizer typically comprises a heteroaryl or a heterocyclic compound, other than morpholine as disclosed in assignee's prior applications. Disclosed polymer compositions are useful for making sports equipment, such as at least one layer of a golf ball, often a core. Because the compositions are useful for making golf balls, materials commonly known for making such golf balls can be used in combination with the polymer composition. A method for forming a golf ball also is disclosed. The method comprises providing disclosed compositions and then forming at least one component of a golf using the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an article comprising an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) and an IPN comprising article e.g. obtainable by this method. The method comprises providing a polymer substrate e.g. shaped to provide the desired article and applying it in a reaction chamber, providing at least one monomer for an interpenetrating polymer, exposing said polymer substrate in said reaction chamber to said at least one monomer in the presence of an impregnation solvent comprising CO2 under conditions wherein said CO2 is in its liquid or supercritical state and polymerizing and optionally cross linking said at least one monomer to form an interpenetrating polymer in the presence of a polymerization solvent under conditions wherein at least a part of said at least one monomer is dissolved in said polymerization solvent.

Abstract: A method for treating flooring not designed for sanding and having a multi-layer wax finish reduces the frequency of stripping the wax layers down to the flooring and recoating the flooring in carrying out periodic maintenance on the flooring. A mobile floor treating machine includes at least one rotating brush which is driven at a first circular speed x for cleaning the flooring and is driven at a second circular speed y for removing the two uppermost layers of wax, where y?2x. The top remaining wax layer is then cleaned with the brush operating at the original circular speed x. Two layers of wax are then sequentially applied to the top remaining wax layer in replacing the two removed layers of wax on the floor and restoring the flooring to its original finish. The brush may be operated at 800-1500 RPM for burnishing and polishing.

Abstract: Methods of treating fabrics using sol-gel halamine chemistry to impart antimicrobial properties thereto are described, as well as fabrics produced by the described methods. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial fabrics may be used to fabricate antimicrobial divider curtains for use in hospitals and medical facilities.

Abstract: A novel activation/etch method is disclosed for conductive polymer substrates and conductive polymer composite substrates to achieve good adhesion to subsequently applied coatings. The method in a preferred case involves anodically polarizing conductive polymers/polymer composites in aqueous etching solutions.

Abstract: A method for making a liquid separation membrane, including: (1) providing a polyvinylidene fluoride liquid separation membrane or polypropylene liquid separation membrane prepared by a thermally induced phase separation method as a substrate membrane, soaking the substrate membrane with water or a weak polar organic liquid to make membrane pores of the substrate membrane filled with the liquid, the soaking time being between 0.5 s and 1 min, and the weak polar organic liquid being indissolvable and compatible with the polyvinylidene fluoride liquid separation membrane or polypropylene liquid separation membrane; (2) coating a casting solution of polyvinylidene fluoride on the surface of the soaked substrate membrane obtained in step (1), and quickly soaking the substrate membrane in a coagulating bath heated to a temperature of 60-100° C. for curing to yield the liquid separation membrane.