Abstract: A method for forming a super-insulating material for a vacuum insulated structure includes disposing glass spheres within a rotating drum. A plurality of interstitial spaces are defined between the glass spheres. A binder material is disposed within the rotating drum. The glass spheres and the at least one binder material are rotated within the rotating drum, wherein the binder material is mixed during a first mixing stage with the glass spheres. A first insulating material is disposed within the rotating drum. The binder material, the first insulating material and the glass spheres are mixed to define an insulating base. A second insulating material is disposed within the rotating drum. The secondary insulating material is mixed with the insulating base to define a homogenous form of the super-insulating material, wherein the first and second insulating materials occupy substantially all of the interstitial spaces.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a belt include laying up a first elastomeric layer of a belt build on a mandrel, laying up a tensile reinforcement layer on the first elastomeric layer, where the tensile reinforcement layer contains cords coated with a water based urethane compound, and laying up a second elastomeric layer on the first elastomeric layer and the tensile reinforcement layer. The belt build may be cured in a profile-forming mold, and afterward, cut to a predetermined belt width and/or length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction product UA of at least one cyclic urea U and at least one multifunctional aldehyde A which reaction product has as substituents on the carbonyl carbon atoms of the aldehyde A at least one kind of functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups —OH and alkoxy groups —OR characterised in that the groups —OR comprise at least two kinds of alkoxy groups —OR1 and —OR2, where R1 and R2 are both selected from the group consisting of linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups having from one to twelve carbon atoms, where R1 and R2 may be the same or may be different from each other, to a process of making these, and to a method of use as crosslinker in coating compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for shirring artificial casings which allows conferring the casing with a high capacity to cling to the meat paste stuffed therein. The composition of the invention includes at least one heat curable polycationic resinous component, a polyolic component and water, wherein the water activity (aw) index has a value greater than or equal to 0.70. A casing impregnated by said composition, the meat product stuffed in said casing and the method for impregnating the casing with the composition of the invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: An electrophotographic recording sheet having, on a water-resistant support, a toner-receiving layer containing a liphophilic polymer antistatic agent with a specific surface resistivity of from 1×107 to 9×1012?. This electrophotographic recording sheet is excellent in recording quality, fixability, water resistance, durability, color printability and continuous printability.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to fabric print media and a method of coating a fabric substrate to form a fabric print medium. The fabric print medium can comprise a fabric substrate, a primer layer applied to the fabric substrate, and an ink-receiving layer applied to the primer layer. The primer layer can include a film-forming polymer and a phosphorus- or nitrogen-containing compound. The ink-receiving layer can comprise a phosphorus- or nitrogen-containing compound, a cationic metal complex, and non-deformable particles.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the spread of nosocomial infections in institutional health care settings comprises treating outer garments, worn indoors by employed staff of the institution, to impart antimicrobial properties to those garments by immersing the garments in a solution of glyxol, eugenol and water, squeezing the solution out of the garments, curing the wetted garments under heat, and drying the cured garments; and thereafter requiring employed staff to wear the treated garments while working at the institution; laundering the garments after being worn by the staff, for further wear by the staff, and requiring employed staff to wear the treated garments after the garments have been laundered for so long as the garments retain their antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: Provided among other things is a fabric comprising: a HPPE base fabric; coated thereon a primer polymer; and coated on the primer polymer a liquid-resistant polymer layer. The primer polymer can be a polyurethane. The base fabric can comprise an adhesion promoter that can be a plasticizer. The adhesion promoter can be a sulfonic acid plasticizer. The adhesion promoter can contain an active hydrogen, carboxy, carboxyloxy or acid group. The fabric can comprise, coated on the liquid-resistant polymer layer, an additional polymer layer. The additional polymer layer can comprise carnauba wax in an amount from about 1 to 3% Phr. The liquid-resistant polymer layer can be a NBR layer. In certain embodiments, the fabric shows no delamination of the liquid-resistant polymer layer after an adherence test. The primer layer can be a polyurethane layer. These features can be present in any combination.

Abstract: A binder comprising the products of a carbohydrate reactant and polyamine is disclosed. The binder is useful for consolidating loosely assembled matter, such as fibers. Uncured fibrous products comprising fibers in contact with a carbohydrate reactant and a polyamine are also disclosed. The binder composition may be cured to yield a fibrous product comprising fibers bound by a cross-linked polymer. Further disclosed are methods for binding fibers with the carbohydrate reactant and polyamine based binder.

Abstract: Provided are a textile fabric sheet having stain and liquid resistance including a fabric sheet, a polyurethane coating layer formed on the fabric sheet and a silicon coating layer formed on the polyurethane coating layer and a method of preparing the same. Thus, a texture characteristic of the fabric substrate itself can be exhibited, and due to the polyurethane coating layer and the silicon coating layer stacked in two steps, excellent water resistance, stain resistance and air permeability can be exhibited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering having an embossed polyurethane foam backing layer and methods of making and using same. A bottom surface of the backing layer can be thermo-embossed with a predetermined pattern, and the bottom surface of the backing layer can define at least one fluid pathway in communication with a side edge of the floor covering. The floor covering can also have a layer of skid-resistant material connected to the bottom surface of the backing layer.

Abstract: A method for treating an aromatic polyamide filament or yarn to improve its adhesion to rubber wherein, the method comprises exposing the filament or yarn to a first mixture of reagents comprising multi-functional isocyanate oligomers and multi-functional epoxy oligomers, wherein the ratio of total isocyanate groups to total epoxy groups in the mixture is in the range of from 0.8 to 1.2, and heating the exposed filament or yarn to a temperature of at least 100 degrees C. whereby the epoxy and isocyanate oligomers cross-link and form a network on the surface of the filament or yarn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer-coated Polymer-coated heat-sealable packaging material, heat-sterilized package formed from the material, and use of the packaging material. The material comprises a fiber base 4 (e.g., packaging board made of bleached pulp) with polymer heat-seal layers 1,9 located on both sides thereof. The package comprises, outside the fiber base, first polymer coating layer 2, which contains white pigment for covering the fiber base from sight, and second coating layer 8, which contains light-absorbing pigment. A coating layer pigmented grey inside the fiber base may provide a light shield for the packaged product. Absorbent black pigment may be located outside the fiber base underneath the white layer to stabilize the brightness of the material. A heat-sterilized package is made by providing the packaging material, forming a package containing, e.g., food, and heat-sterilizing the package in an autoclave. Yellowing of the fiber-based material is avoided by means of a white pigment.

Abstract: Provided herein are formaldehyde-free flame retardant compositions, comprising a flame retardant acid and a fixing agent; and methods of their use for manufacturing durable formaldehyde-free flame retardant cellulosic materials. Also provided herein are durable formaldehyde-free flame retardant cellulosic materials and articles comprising the same.

Abstract: Sterilizable and printable, wet-laid non-woven substrate exhibiting high-strength and temperature resistance above 140° C., providing sufficient airflow to relieve pressure in a package formed from the substrate during sterilization, providing a significant barrier to penetration by bacteria and debris, and which is sealable to itself and to thermoplastic films, comprises blends of nanofibrillated lyocell fibers, microfibers, fibers having a flat, rectangular cross-section and binder fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a functional film via coffee oil, comprising (a) extracting a coffee oil from coffee; (b) modifying the coffee oil to obtain an epoxidized coffee oil; (c) adding an alcohol into the epoxidized coffee oil to obtain a coffee polyol; (d) synthesizing a polyurethane dispersive solution with the coffee polyol; (e) coating a surface of a substrate with the polyurethane dispersive solution; and (f) drying and fixing the surface of the substrate. The present invention further provides a functional textile comprising a functional film prepared by the method of above.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric systems for stabilizing, storing and delivering hypohalide salts. One system consists of material coated with two layers: one prepared from polyethylene glycol epoxide and melamine solution and second prepared from inorganic hypohalide salt solution. The material can be fabric, cotton, bamboo, cellulosic materials, blend of cellulosic and synthetic fibres. Antimicrobial materials comprising this system are also described. Another system consists of material containing pre-formed spaces coated with water-polyethylene glycol solution of hypohalide salt and encapsulated by film forming polymer. Hypohalide salts within both systems are in some cases storage stable for at least three months.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising water, an organic acid such as citric acid, chitosan, and one or more heterocyclic N-halamine compounds such as MDMH and/or DMDMH.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polymer film having a microphase-separated morphology includes a film-forming step in which a solution containing a block copolymer having two or more types of polymer chains which are mutually incompatible and are bonded to each other, a first solvent and a second solvent having a higher boiling point by at least 15° C. than the first solvent is applied onto a substrate and the first solvent is removed to form a film; a heating step in which the film is heated at a temperature which is higher than the boiling point of the first solvent but is lower than the boiling point of the second solvent to make the film formed have a microphase-separated morphology; and a solvent removal step in which the second solvent is removed from the film having the microphase-separated morphology to form the polymer film having the microphase-separated morphology.

Abstract: A coated fabric suitable for use in an anti-ballistic article comprises a fabric comprising at least a first layer of high tenacity yarns such as para-aramid arranged parallel with each other and at least a second layer of high tenacity yarns arranged parallel with each other, the yarns of the first layer having an orientation in a direction that is different from the orientation of the yarns in the second layer, a fluoropolymer, a viscoelastic resin and a thermoset or thermoplastic binding layer, the binding layer being positioned between the first and second layers of yarns. A method of making the surfactant free coated fabric using a non-polar organic solvent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber-reinforced composite material having high mechanical properties and high heat resistance, and allowing the use of a gypsum die in primary curing, wherein a fiber-reinforced prepreg, obtained by impregnating reinforcing fibers with an epoxy resin composition comprising a triphenylmethane-type epoxy resin, N,N,N?,N?-tetraglycidyldiaminodiphenylmethane (B) and diaminodiphenylsulfone (C), is subjected to primary curing at 110-130° C., and then to secondary curing at a temperature which is at least as high as the primary curing temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated microfibrous web, a process for producing the same, use thereof as a covering of a radiation protection material as well as a radiation protection device. The coated microfibrous web comprises: (i) a microfibrous web impregnated with a fluoropolymer; and (ii) a layer comprising polyurethane, which is present only on one side of the microfibrous web.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fiber-reinforced composite materials, in which a multiplicity of continuous filaments or woven fabric is impregnated optionally together with reinforcing materials, comprising caprolactam and other starting materials for polyamide 6 or other starting materials for copolymers of caprolactam, passed through at temperatures of 70 to 100° C., and anionically polymerized at temperatures of 100 to 190° C., and optionally repolymerized at temperatures of 90 to 170° C.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: A gas diffusion substrate comprising a non-woven fibre web, thermally conductive materials and a carbonaceous residue, wherein the thermally conductive materials and carbonaceous residue are embedded within the non-woven fibre web and wherein the thermally conductive materials have a maximum dimension of between 1 and 100 ?m and the gas diffusion substrate has a porosity of less than 80% is disclosed. The substrate has particular use in phosphoric acid fuel cells.

Abstract: A method for production of a reactive polyurethane emulsion for use in impregnating and coating a textile fabric includes reacting polyols alone or in combination with at least one of diols and triols with a substoichiometric amount of diisocyanates so as to form medium-viscosity, OH-terminated prepolymers. The prepolymers are mixed with an external emulsifier. At least one of a diisocyanate, a triisocyanate and a polyisocyanate are added so as to bring about a crosslinking of the prepolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated reinforcement, to a method for producing the same and to the use thereof. In order to provide a coated reinforcement, in particular to be used for large surface area components, the coating of which can be applied easily and without difficultly substantially independently of the processing-relevant properties of the components of the resin mixture, it is proposed that the surface of the reinforcement has a coating made of a composition, the composition contains a mixture 1 of at least one resin, selected from the group consisting of epoxidized phenol novolacs, epoxidized cresol novolacs, polyepoxides based on bisphenol A, epoxidized fluorenone bisphenols and/or polyepoxides bases on bisphenol-F, and/or based on triglycidyl isocyanurates, epoxidized novolac and at least one component that accelerates the curing of the resin, and said mixture is subjected to a heat treatment, so that the mixture 1 is affixed to the surface of the reinforcement by fusing it thereon.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: An antimicrobial fabric and method for treating fabric to impart antimicrobial properties thereto by preparing an aqueous solution of eugenol, polyvinyl alcohol, and glyoxal, padding the fabric with the aqueous solution to achieve a preselected desired part by weight wet pickup, drying the fabric; and curing the fabric.

Abstract: A process for forming room temperature water soluble polymer coatings on porous substrates by forming a solution of a room temperature water soluble polymer, one or more crosslinkers, a solvent for the room temperature water soluble polymer such as water and optionally one or more porogens, or functional agents, stirring the mixture until all the components are dissolved, adding the solution to a porous structure such as a non-woven fabric or a porous membrane and drying the solution on to the substrate as a coating before subjecting the coating to crosslinking. Alternatively, the coating may be partially crosslinked before drying the solution. Porous structures having a room temperature water soluble polymer coating and being capable of convective flow through the pores of the structure and diffusive flow through the coating can be formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vapor-pervious water-impervious substrate, preferably a fibrous nonwoven web, which can be used in particular as a textile continuous sheet material, for example as an awning or as an inlet in apparel. The substrate according to the present invention may have self-cleaning properties. The substrate according to the present invention is simple to produce in an at least two-step process wherein a coating on the fibers of the substrate is produced in the first step and then hydrophobic particles are applied to the coated fibers by means of an adhesion promoter.

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: The present invention relates to nanoparticles-containing stratified compositions for low refractive index compositions of utility as anti-reflective coatings for optical display substrates. The compositions comprise a high index refractive stratum and a low refractive index stratum on top of the high index stratum, and containing different nanoparticles in each stratum.

Abstract: Novel synthetic leather articles comprise a substrate and a coating applied to a surface of the substrate. The coating comprises a resin and a polymeric colorant. The polymeric colorant comprises a chromophore and an oligomeric constituent bound to the chromophore. Novel methods for producing synthetic leather articles using polymeric colorants are also provided.

Abstract: The process for finishing textile materials by treatment with at least one aqueous liquor which comprises at least one organic polymer and at least one organic or inorganic solid in particulate form, wherein the organic or inorganic solid or solids are present in the liquor in a fraction of at least 5.5 g/l.

Abstract: A coated string for a stringed device which includes a coating applied to the surface of the string. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the string and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated string.

Abstract: A method for forming a ceramic article useful as a bone substitute and having an outer surface defining a shape having a bulk volume and having open, interconnecting openings extending throughout the volume and opening through the surface, includes, providing an organic open-pore structure, coating surface of pores of the structure with a ceramic slip, pyrolyzing the organic structure to leave a ceramic structure having struts defining a plurality of interconnecting interstices, and providing within the interstices a porous osteoconductive composition exposed to the interconnecting openings. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic slip includes a strong, supportive ceramic material and a separate osteoconductive material.

Abstract: Free-standing ordered mesoporous carbon films and form factors are prepared by depositing an aqueous precursor mixture that includes a water soluble carbon precursor, a non-ionic surfactant, and an oil onto a substrate or scaffold, drying the precursor mixture, and then cross-linking and heat treating (carbonizing) the carbon precursor. After carbonization, the ordered mesoporous carbon films and form factors include discrete domains of ordered, mesoscale pores.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a stain resistant, water resistant and water repellant treated textile fabric that can be prepared by a) selecting an untreated textile fabric having a first side and a second side, b) topically treating the untreated fabric with an aqueous primary treatment composition comprising a fluorochemical textile treating agent, c) drying and curing the topically treated fabric to obtain a primarily treated fabric, d) securing at least one polymeric film to one side of the fabric, e) providing a polymeric coating on the polymeric film comprising an aqueous secondary treatment composition comprising a fluorochemical textile treating agent, f) applying flock onto the polymeric coating, and g) drying and curing the polymeric coating to obtain a secondary treated fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to textile substrates to which a finishing treatment has been applied during the manufacturing process. Such a finishing treatment provides improved water and/or oil repellency and stain and soil resistance. The finishing treatment generally includes a repellent agent, a stain release agent, and a particulate component. Other compounds may be added to the treatment, such as stain-blocking agents, crosslinking agents, coupling agents, antimicrobial agents, and pH adjusting agents. The components of the finishing treatment are generally applied to the textile substrate using an application process that results in layered structures on the surface of the treated substrate, which has been found to greatly improve the durability of the treatment. Such treated textile substrates thus exhibit excellent stain and soil resistance and water and/or oil repellency properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of coating a substrate, comprising the steps of a) providing a substrate, b) applying a composition to at least one side of the substrate, the composition containing an inorganic compound and the inorganic compound containing at least one metal and/or semimetal selected from the group Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Nb, V, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, B, Al, In, TI, Si, Ge, Sn, Zn, Pb, Sb, Bi or a mixture thereof and at least one element selected from the group Te, Se, S, O, Sb, As, P, N, C, Ga or a mixture thereof, c) drying the composition applied in step b), d) applying at least one coating to the at least one side of the substrate to which the composition was applied in step b), the coating containing a silane of the general formula (Z1)Si(OR)3, Z1 being R, OR or Gly (Gly is 3-glycidyloxypropyl) and R being an alkyl radical having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, it being possible for all radicals R to be identical or different, oxide particles selected from the oxides of Ti, Si, Zr, Al, Y

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing composite textile and composite textile obtainable by this process as well as the use of said composite textile for automotive applications among other things. Said process comprises the following steps: (a) applying a foamed polymer dispersion onto a suede-like textile substrate; (b) drying the composite material of polymer foam and substrate; (c) compacting the polymer foam with the substrate; and (d) heat-treating and/or cross-linking the polymer foam. The composite textile is characterised by a suede-like textile substrate and a polymer foam layer.

Abstract: A method for preparing a carbon fiber fabric impregnated with a thermoplastic plastic including providing a fabric which substantially consists of carbon fibers with a coating of an epoxy material without curing agent; bringing the fabric to a temperature in the range of 330° C. to 430° C.; and holding the fabric at the temperature for 120 to 240 minutes such that the carbon fibers remain unaffected and the epoxy material is aged or neutralized and loses its tacky character. Alternatively, the heat treatment may be carried out by bringing the fabric to a temperature of 450±70° C. for 15±5 minutes and subsequently to a temperature of 220±30° C. for 240±60 minutes. Fabrics prepared as described may be used in preparing laminates, which include a plurality of layers consisting alternately of the above-described fabric and a layer of thermoplastic plastic.

Abstract: Fluorochemical composition for rendering fibrous substrates oil repellent, water repellent, and/or stain or soil repellent. The composition comprises a dispersion or a solution of a fluorinated compound which comprises the reaction product of the following combination of reactants: (i) a fluorinated polyether according to the formula: Rf—Q—Tk ??(I) ?wherein Rf represents a monovalent perfluorinated polyether group having a molecular weight of at least 750 g/mol, Q represents a chemical bond or a divalent or trivalent organic linking group, T represents a functional group capable of reacting with an isocyanate and k is 1 or 2; (ii) an isocyanate component selected from a polyisocyanate compound that has at least 3 isocyanate groups or a mixture of polyisocyanate compounds wherein the average number of isocyanate groups per molecule is more than 2; and (iii) optionally one or more co-reactants capable of reacting with an isocyanate group.