Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets and postcrosslinking the polymer particles, wherein the postcrosslinked polymer particles are at least partly coated.

Abstract: A graphene laminate including a substrate, a binder layer on the substrate, and graphene on the binder layer, wherein the graphene is bound to the substrate by the binder layer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to coating materials, including photoactive coating materials. In some aspects of the invention, a sol-gel is provided that can be formed as a coating on a microfluidic channel. One or more portions of the sol-gel can be reacted to alter its hydrophobicity, in some cases. For instance, in one set of embodiments, a portion of the sol-gel may be exposed to light, such as ultraviolet light, which can be used to induce a chemical reaction in the sol-gel that alters its hydrophobicity. In one set of embodiments, the sol-gel can include a photoinitiator, that upon exposure to light, produces radicals. Optionally, the photoinitiator may be conjugated to a silane or other material within the sol-gel. The radicals so produced may be used to cause a polymerization reaction to occur on the surface of the sol-gel, thus altering the hydrophobicity of the surface. In some cases, various portions may be reacted or left unreacted, e.g.

Abstract: There is provided a coating for a body of steel or a carbon fiber reinforced plastic material, particularly a roller, with an adhesion-promoting layer of thermoplastic that is deposited on the body, in the surface near material matrix of which solid (powder) particles are embedded in a form-fitting adhering manner such that only a partial region of these particles projects from the adhesion promoting layer, as well as with a functional layer of oxide ceramic or wear-resistant hard metal overlaying the adhesion-promoting layer, in which the partial regions of the particles projecting from the adhesion-promoting layer are embedded. For producing such a coating, the adhesion-promoting layer preferably is heated to a honey-like viscosity, and powder particles are injected, for example by thermal spraying, into the surface near material matrix of the heated adhesion-promoting layer in a form-fitting adhering manner such that only the tips of these particles project.

Abstract: A moldable acoustic facing comprises cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers entangled together. The acoustic facing has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050?, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns, and an elongation at break of at least twenty percent. The acoustic facing includes less than about five percent synthetic microfiber and has an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls.

Abstract: A method for making a material useful in an optoelectronic device comprises: providing a mixture of a polytriarylamine and a compound; forming a film of the mixture; and treating the film; wherein the compound comprises at least one functional group selected from arylamine and arylphosphine and at least two functional groups selected from vinyl, allyl, vinyl ether, epoxy, and acrylate. The materials made and the optoelectronic device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for the production of plane-parallel platelets, comprising the steps of: a) vapor-deposition of a separating agent onto a carrier to produce a separating agent 5 layer, b) vapor-deposition of at least one product layer onto the separating agent layer, and c) dissolution of the separating agent layer in a solvent and production of a suspension in which the at least one product layer is present in the form of plane-parallel platelets, wherein the separating agent is selected from the group consisting of anthracene, anthraquinone, acetamidophenol, acetylsalicylic acid, camphoric anhydride, benzimidazole, benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, biphenyl-2,2-dicarboxylic acid, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone, dihydroxyanthraquinone, hydantoin, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid monohydrate, 4-hydroxycoumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin, 3-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, isophthalic acid, 4,4-methylene-bis-3-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, naphthalene-1,8-dic

Abstract: A method of coating at least a portion of the exposed surface of a metal comprises: a) applying to said surface a curable coating composition comprising an aqueous solution of at least one partially or substantially completely hydrolyzed, and optionally partially condensed, silane possessing one or more hydroxyl groups and, optionally, one or more organonitrogen groups, said hydroxyl group(s) and optional organonitrogen group(s) being bonded to different carbon atoms of a bridging group linking such group(s) to the silicon atom of the partially or substantially completely hydrolyzed and optionally partially condensed silane; and, b) curing the curable coating composition on the surface of the metal to provide an anti-corrosion and/or adhesion promoting coating thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is nanocoupling of a polymer onto a surface of a metal substrate for improving coating adhesion of the polymer on the metal substrate, and in vivo stability and durability of the polymer. In accordance with the present invention, the polymers can be grafted via a chemical bonding on the surface of the metal substrate by the nanocoupling, by which adhesion, biocompatibility and durability of a polymer-coated layer which is to be formed later on the metal substrate were remarkably improved; therefore, the nanocoupling according to the present invention can be applied to surface modification of a metal implant, such as stents, mechanical valves, and an articular, a spinal, a dental and an orthopedic implants.

Abstract: An exemplary assembly includes at least one elongated tension member (32). A jacket covers at least some of the tension member (32). The jacket comprises a polymer material (68,64) including an adhesion enhancer (62) that facilitates adhesion between the tension member and the jacket.

Abstract: A film pattern forming method is for forming a film pattern on a predetermined region of a substrate that has a predetermined shape. The film pattern forming method includes: rendering a surface of the substrate liquid-repellent; applying droplets of a liquid containing material for forming the film pattern in a margin area of the predetermined region in which the film pattern is to be formed, thereby forming a margin band of the applied droplets and forming a margin band film by drying or hardening the margin band; rendering the surface of the substrate lyophilic; and applying droplets of the liquid in the predetermined region circumscribed by the margin band film and thereby filling the predetermined region.

Abstract: A protective material includes a porous substrate having cross-linked self-decontaminating polymer grafted thereon, the cross-linked self-decontaminating polymer having been converted after grafting to activate self-decontaminating function. The cross-linked self-decontaminating polymer provides the protective material with reversible swelling ability to block the porous substrate when the protective barrier is contacted by liquids.

Abstract: A multi-well plate can be loaded with a range of compliant substrates. Commerically-available assays can be used to test cellular responses across a plate with shear modulus from 50 to 51200 Pascals. Cells can be grown in the plates, and can be manipulated and analyzed. Hydrogels can be attached to the bottom of a well. The plates can support the attachment and growth of different cell types and can be compatible with standard 96-well and 384-well plate assays. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels can be reproducible and stable to increase the shelf life of the substrate. The hydrogel can be compatible with growth of a variety of cell types, various attachment ligands such as collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, or RGD peptides and can be coupled to the gel surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to coated medical devices, preferably a stent, that has a drug-eluting surface completely or partially coated with a coating that is imprinted with an impression. In particular, the invention is directed to a coated medical device having a coating that comprises biologically active materials, polymers, or a combination thereof. The coating is imprinted with an impression by printing, molding, lithography, or embossing techniques. Preferably, the patterning imprinted on the coating is capable of releasing biologically active materials in different amounts, at different rates, and/or at different time periods. The invention also relates to methods of making and methods of using the coated medical device.

Abstract: A polyisocyanurate-based coating for offshore applications is provided. The coating is a syntactic coating, obtainable by reacting a polyisocyanate compound with a compound containing isocyanate-reactive hydrogen atoms in the presence of a trimerisation catalyst and hollow objects, at an isocyanate index of at least and preferably more than 2000.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for applying a colorant to a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a composition that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the composition may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of the stain before being affixed to the surface. If a user desires to remove the composition from the surface, the composition is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the composition to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the composition may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.

Abstract: A method for forming an aperture includes stamping an aperture into the article using a pellet, and refining aperture shape(s) and/or aperture dimensions. Methods for forming articles having reduced residual compressive stress are also disclosed. Very generally, the methods include establishing a diamond coating on at least a portion of a substrate, and applying a stress-relief process to the diamond coating, the substrate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing a membrane electrode assembly which has high and stable catalytic activity, and suppressed deterioration in catalytic activity during operation, and can prevent a deterioration in performance attributable to a structural factor of the membrane electrode assembly. The process comprises the step of, after the washing/removing step, drying the catalyst electrode in an atmosphere having a lower oxygen partial pressure than the air. The anode/cathode is a covered catalyst electrode having a structure formed by supporting/depositing a catalytically active material composed mainly of platinum/ruthenium subjected to the potential holding step, the washing/removing step, and the drying step, on a porous electroconductive carrier to cover at least a part of the porous electroconductive carrier with the ion conductive material.

Abstract: A method of very inexpensively and stably producing a solid body having a depressed portion on a surface, which is expected to be applied in a variety of industrial fields. This method forms a solid body having a depressed portion on a surface by using a solution at least containing a solvent A, a solvent B and a polymer compound soluble in solvent B, solvent A being a hydrophilic solvent and solvent B being a hydrophobic solvent, the boiling point of solvent A being equal to or higher than the boiling point of solvent B, and the total mass of solvent B being 50% or more of the total mass of the solvents contained in the solution, then solidifying the solution while forming a depressed portion from condensation on the surface of the solution during a process wherein either one or both of the solvent A and solvent B contained in the solution are evaporating.

Abstract: The beneficial agent is applied into the holes in a medical device in a dry particulate form and is adhered in the hole in a manner that allows release of the drug in a controlled manner. The drug material would be formed into particles and placed in the holes. The solvent would be added to partially liquefy and adhere the drug into the holes. After application of the solvent, the particles are adhered together in a substantially uniform drug containing matrix. The particles may include drug alone or drug in combination with other materials including a matrix.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer for masonry treatment produced from (A) a fluoromonomer which has been substituted in the ?-position by a X group and is represented by the formula (I): and (B) a monomer having a functional group reactive with active hydrogen. It imparts excellent water- and oil-repellency and unsusceptibility to fouling to masonries.

Abstract: A method of filling an adhesive into a gap includes steps of introducing one or more capsules containing the adhesive having an adhering function and a setting function into the gap, discharging the adhesive from the adhesive capsules by applying energy to the adhesive capsules in the gap, and setting the adhesive in the gap by applying energy to the discharged adhesive. The method can easily fill the adhesive 1 into the gap 7 without achieving a pressure-bonding process.

Abstract: Methods of attaching a ligand to a surface are described that include contacting a surface with a substrate containing an amphiphilic comb polymer. The substrate is configured to provide a pattern of the amphiphilic comb polymer on a selected region of the surface. The substrate can be separated from the surface leaving the amphiphilic comb polymer on the selected region of the surface, thus providing a selected region of the surface having amphiphilic comb polymer on it. A ligand can then be deposited on the surface such that the selected region of the surface having the amphiphilic comb polymer is substantially free of the ligand.

Abstract: A method for producing a sheet-like or web-like, decorative, scratch- and/or abrasion-resistant coating material, in particular a coating film, comprising the steps: coating a support layer (10) made of paper and/or plastic with a liquid or pasty base layer (12) which is free of organic solvents and comprises radiation-curing resins but no heat-curing resins and also an abrasive filler, preferably an inorganic filler, drying the support layer (10) coated with the base layer (12), in particular by supplying heat, applying a covering layer (14) to the dried, non-crosslinked base layer (12), said covering layer containing a radiation-curing resin and no abrasive fillers, and jointly curing and/or crosslinking the covering layer and also the radiation-curing resins in the base layer by irradiating the covering layer with UV and/or electron beams.

Abstract: A method for fabricating thin DITO or SITO touch sensor panels with a thickness less than a minimum thickness tolerance of existing manufacturing equipment. In one embodiment, a sandwich of two thin glass sheets is formed such that the combined thickness of the glass sheets does not drop below the minimum thickness tolerance of existing manufacturing equipment when thin film process is performed on the surfaces of the sandwich during fabrication. The sandwich may eventually be separated to form two thin SITO/DITO panels. In another embodiment, the fabrication process involves laminating two patterned thick substrates, each having at least the minimum thickness tolerance of existing manufacturing equipment. One or both of the sides of the laminated substrates are then thinned so that when the substrates are separated, each is a thin DITO/SITO panel having a thickness less than the minimum thickness tolerance of existing manufacturing equipment.

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

Abstract: A spangle-free, hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, and a method and device for manufacturing the same. The hot-dip galvanized steel sheet is characterized in that a solidified zinc crystal of hot-dip galvanized layer has an average crystalline texture particle diameter of 10 to 88 ?m and there is no solidification traces of dendrites upon observing under a microscope at a magnification of 100×. The method comprises dipping a steel sheet in a bath of a zinc-coating solution containing 0.13 to 0.3% by weight of aluminum; air-wiping the steel sheet to remove an excess of the coating solution; spraying water or an aqueous solution on the air-wiped steel sheet, using a steel sheet temperature in the range of a hot-dip galvanization temperature to 419 ° C. as a spray initiation temperature and using a steel sheet temperature in the range of 417 ° C. to 415 ° C.

Abstract: In the present invention, an insulating material is applied onto a substrate in a coating treatment unit to form a coating insulating film. The substrate is heated in the heating processing unit, whereby the coating insulating film is hardened partway. A brush is then pressed against the front surface of the coating insulating film in a planarization unit and moved along the front surface of the coating insulating film, thereby planarizing the coating insulating film. The substrate is then heated to completely harden the coating insulating film. According to the present invention, the coating film can be planarized without using the CMP technology.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a luminescent nanoparticle probe system includes forming a bismuth sulfide core; and coating the bismuth sulfide core with a shell.

Abstract: Microencapsulated chemical(s), as water-soluble solid particles, are embedded in at least one the paint layers on the surface of a magnesium article used in an automobile. If the protective paint film is scratched or otherwise mechanically disturbed to expose the surface of the magnesium article the capsules will be ruptured. This will expose the encapsulated chemical(s) to ambient water enabling them to dissolve and form an aqueous solution capable of reacting with the exposed magnesium to form a protective passivating layer on the exposed magnesium to resist corrosion. In a second embodiment the encapsulated chemicals include a deliquescing compound for extraction of moisture from the atmosphere sufficient to induce dissolution of the passivating layer-forming chemical(s) and trigger the formation of the passivating layer in the absence of ambient water.

Abstract: An apparatus for downhole operation. The apparatus comprising a support body having a surface located in a borehole and a coating on an at least a portion of the surface of the support body. The coating is an inert material selected for reducing friction and corrosion.

Abstract: A coating apparatus including a coating part which applies a liquid material including an oxidizable metal on a substrate, a chamber having a coating space in which the coating part applies the liquid material on the substrate and a transport space into which the substrate is transported, and a removal unit which removes the liquid material from the inside of the chamber when at least one of oxygen concentration and humidity inside the chamber exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A pattern forming method includes a step of forming a photosensitive organic material layer by providing, on a substrate, a photosensitive organic material which is protected by a hydrophobic photodegradable group and is capable of generating a hydrophilic group selected from the group consisting of amino group, hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, and sulfo group by light irradiation; a step of selectively exposing the photosensitive organic material layer to light in a pattern to generate the hydrophilic group at an exposed portion; a step of providing a block polymer having a hydrophilic segment and a hydrophobic segment, on the photosensitive organic material layer after the exposure, to separate segments of the block polymer into the hydrophilic segment at a portion where the hydrophilic group generated by the exposure is present and the hydrophobic segment at a portion where the hydrophilic group is not present; and a step of removing one of the separated segments to form a pattern of the other segment.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrophobic coating layer on a surface of a nozzle plate of an inkjet printhead includes forming a plurality of nozzles in the nozzle plate, each of the nozzles having an exit, stacking a film on the surface of the nozzle plate to cover the exit of each of the nozzles, forming a predetermined metal layer on an inner wall of each of the nozzles and an inner surface of the film covering the exit of each of the nozzles using a plating method, removing the film from the surface of the nozzle plate, forming a hydrophobic coating layer on the surface of the nozzle plate to cover the metal layer exposed through the exit of each of the nozzles, and removing the metal layer formed on the inner wall of each of the nozzles and the hydrophobic coating layer formed on the surface of the metal layer.

Abstract: A composite structure suitable for making transdermal delivery devices includes in sequence: (a) a liner film layer; (b) a containment layer having from zero to 15 wt % content of vinyl acetate repeating units, the layer including either a thermal bonding copolyester resin or a combination of an ethylene-vinyl acetate component and a nonpolar polymer; and (c) a polyester film layer less than 20 ?m in thickness. A drug layer lies either between the liner film layer and the containment layer or within a concave depression in the containment layer. A composition including an ethylene-vinyl acetate component and an ABA block copolymer, wherein the A segments of the block copolymer are styrenic segments, is also provided. The composition includes between 1 and 15 wt % of vinyl acetate repeating units, based on the total weight of composition exclusive of any solvents.

Abstract: Methods of forming structures from layered viscoelastic materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, such methods may include covering at least a portion of a first viscoelastic material layer disposed on a substrate with a portion of at least a second viscoelastic material layer and containing a quantity of gas within a space defined between a portion of the substrate, a portion of the first viscoelastic material layer and a portion of the second viscoelastic material layer. The methods may further include forming at least one discrete fluid path between the defined space containing the quantity of gas and the vacuum, and removing at least a portion of the quantity of gas from the defined space through the at least one discrete fluid path. Additionally, elastomer structures comprising at least one void defined therein, the at least one void exhibiting at least a partial vacuum, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the friction coefficient of the surface of a metallic workpiece by applying and hardening a single-layer or multi-layer coating having a boundary surface facing toward the workpiece and having a boundary surface facing away from the workpiece, wherein one or more base coats each having at least one binding agent and metallic particles, is/are applied in layers, and at least one of the base coats has at least one lubricant.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is scratch resistant and durable.

Abstract: A primer composition is disclosed which includes a compound of the formula (I) and a polymer P, which has at least one nucleophilic functional group per molecule, for gluing plastic films. The primer compositions of this type are suitable for laminating molded parts and components, for example by vacuum deep-drawing. Exemplary compositions can provide improved adhesion and stretching ability of the primer on the plastic film, such that little or no cracking, which leaves behind traces of the film top side, occurs in the primer layer.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a water-reactive Al composite material which comprises 4NAl or 5NAl containing added In in an amount ranging from 2 to 5% by mass; and added Si and Si as an impurity in a total amount ranging from 0.04 to 0.6% by mass on the basis of the amount of Al; a thermally sprayed Al film prepared using this material; a method for the production of such an Al film; and a constituent member for a film-forming chamber, which is provided with this thermally sprayed Al film on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A composite material designed as a substrate glass for LED's is provided. The composite material includes a structured coating made of a hybrid polymer matrix that contains nanoparticles made of an oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to curable coating compositions which when cured are substantially transparent and exhibit resistance to markings such as graffiti and scuffing and particulate buildup. In particular, the compositions of the present invention when cured provide protective coatings to surfaces to prevent absorption and/or wetting of ink compositions. The invention composition may also be used as mold release agents.

Abstract: The use of a slurry-type seal coating which is flexible after hardening, containing, as component a), a system having a proportion of hydraulic binder and, as component b), an elastifying plastic, for aftertreatment, over the whole area, of a concrete body having a residual moisture content >2 CM % is claimed. The claimed slurry-type seal coatings which contain, as component a), preferably a cement mortar and, as component b), a homo-, co- or terpolymer in the preferred form of a liquid polymer dispersion result in a higher strength and less shrinkage of the concrete body surface treated with them. The concrete bodies treated therewith are protected against seepage water, pressurised water and water splashes, in particular in areas exposed to wetness.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there are systems and methods of preparing surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate and methods of enhanced detection of an analyte.

Abstract: A methods, apparatus and compositions for producing colored, self-cleaning substrates by roll coating are provided. The roll coated, colored, self-cleaning substrates retain the predetermined color and a predetermined gloss of the colored coating, thereby facilitating their use in architectural applications. The roll coated, colored, self-cleaning substrates may be iridescent-free.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanocomposite membranes and methods for making and using same. In one aspect, the nanocomposite membrane comprises a film comprising a polymer matrix and nanoparticles disposed within the polymer matrix, wherein the film is substantially permeable to water and substantially impermeable to impurities. In a further aspect, the membrane can further comprise a hydrophilic layer. In a further aspect, the nanocomposite membrane comprises a film having a face, the film comprising a polymer matrix, a hydrophilic layer proximate to the face, and nanoparticles disposed within the hydrophilic layer, wherein the film is substantially permeable to water and substantially impermeable to impurities. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lower molding die for receiving a molten glass droplet which is dripped. A cover layer is formed on a substrate with an intermediate layer therebetween, and a roughening process is performed on the surface of the cover layer in order to increase arithmetic average roughness Ra. The surface of the cover layer subjected to the roughening process has an arithmetic average roughness Ra of 0.01 ?m or more, and an average length RSm of a roughness curvilinear element of 0.5 ?m or less.

Abstract: A method of derivatizing a fluid-impervious surface with a mixed monolayer to create a surface energy gradient comprising the steps of a) Exposing a base surface to a first solution comprising a plurality of molecules of the formula X1-J1-M1 wherein X1 and M1 represent separate functional groups and J1 represents a spacer moiety that, together, are able to promote formation from solution of a self-assembled monolayer for sufficient time to form a monolayer surface having a substantially uniform surface energy on the base surface. b) Removing a portion of the monolayer formed in (a) such that a portion of the base surface is again fully or partially exposed. c) Exposing the portion of the base surface from (b) to a second solution comprising a plurality of molecules of the formula X2-J2-M2 wherein the functional group M2 has a different surface energy from that of the functional group M1 such that a surface energy gradient is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a transmission electron microscope sample. An amount of nano-scale specimens and an amount of graphene sheets are dispersed into a solvent, thereby achieving a dispersed solution. A transmission electron microscope grid including a carbon nanotube film structure is provided. A portion of the carbon nanotube film structure is suspended. The dispersed solution is applied on the carbon nanotube film structure. The solvent in the carbon nanotube structure is removed.

Abstract: A method for processing a polysilazane film includes performing temperature increase of changing a process field of a reaction container, which accommodates a target substrate with a polysilazane coating film formed thereon, from a pre-heating temperature to a predetermined temperature, while setting the process field to be a first atmosphere containing oxygen and having a first pressure of 6.7 to 26.7 kPa. Then, the method includes performing a first heat process for obtaining an insulating film containing silicon and oxygen by baking the coating film at a first process temperature not lower than the predetermined temperature, while setting the process field to be a second atmosphere containing an oxidizing gas and having a second pressure higher than the first pressure.