Abstract: Methods for increasing the fracture resistance of a polymer stent's drug-polymer coating and scaffolding including applying a coating and crimping using techniques that increase the resistance to fracture in the coating layer and scaffolding and scaffolding.

Abstract: A traveling type dipping apparatus in a painting system of a vehicle body of an automobile, usable as mechanism to rotate and dip the vehicle body having been supported on a conveying traveling body horizontally in a forward facing direction in a treatment liquid while conveying the vehicle body.

Abstract: An autocatalytic tin plating bath containing Sn2+ ions, Ti3+ ions as reducing agent, an organic complexing agent and phenanthroline or a derivative thereof as stabilizing agent is disclosed. The plating bath is suitable for manufacture of printed circuit boards, IC substrates and metallization of semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally embossed inscription containing a plurality of interconnected letters is connected, for dimensional stability, to a holding frame during a manufacturing process via supporting elements. After the end of the machining and manufacturing processes, the inscription is separated from the holding frame and has a shape which corresponds to the connected shape on the holding frame.

Abstract: One or more aspects of this invention pertain to fabrication of electronic devices. One aspect of the present invention is a system for electroless deposition of metal on a substrate. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the system comprises a main subsystem in combination with one or more subsystems for electroless deposition on a substrate. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making an electronic device. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the method comprises one or more processes. Descriptions according to one or more embodiments of the system and the processes are presented.

Abstract: A method of the present invention for producing a calcium phosphate complex including a substrate and calcium phosphate bonded to a surface of the substrate, the method includes the steps of: (a) treating the surface of the substrate; and (b) bonding the calcium phosphate onto the surface of the substrate after the step (a), the step (a) being the step of placing the surface of the substrate in contact with ozone water. Therefore, the method of the present invention makes it possible to bond calcium phosphate and the substrate at a high bonding strength and at a high coverage. In addition, the method of the present invention provides an easy method for producing a calcium phosphate complex.

Abstract: Methods for forming anisotropic nanotube fabrics are disclosed. In one aspect, a nanotube application solution is rendered into a nematic state prior to its application over a substrate. In another aspect, a pump and narrow nozzle assembly are employed to realize a flow induced alignment of a plurality of individual nanotube elements as they are deposited onto a substrate element. In another aspect, nanotube adhesion promoter materials are used to form a patterned nanotube application layer, providing narrow channels over which nanotube elements will self align during an application process. Specific dip coating processes which are well suited for aiding in the creation of anisotropic nanotube fabrics are also disclosed.

Abstract: A housing includes a plastic substrate and a layer formed on the plastic substrate. The layer contains polysiloxane and epoxy resin. The layer is very thin, but evenly forms on the surface of the plastic substrate. The layer has a high hardness and can effectively protect the plastic substrate from abrasion.

Abstract: An organic thin film forming method for forming an organic thin film on a substrate surface comprising: contacting the substrate with a solution for forming an organic thin film obtained from an auxiliary agent for forming an organic thin film obtained by mixing a metal surfactant (1) having at least one hydrolytic group and a compound capable of interacting with the metal surfactant (1), and a metal surfactant (2) having at least one hydrolytic group, in an organic solvent, wherein a solution for forming an organic thin film is used in which the moisture content has been adjusted or maintained to be within a predetermined range; and, an auxiliary agent for forming an organic thin film and a solution for forming an organic thin film used in this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface coated support material wherein said process comprises contacting a support material with an aqueous dispersion of nanocellulose. The surface coated support material can be used in a composite material. The invention therefore further relates to the surface coated support material per se, a composite comprising the material, a process for the production of the composite material and an article produced from the composite material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making a transparent carbon nanotube composite film. The method includes: (a) providing a transparent carbon nanotube film structure; (b) fixing the transparent carbon nanotube film structure on a supporting; (c) immersing the transparent carbon nanotube film structure with the supporting into a transparent polymer solution; and (d) removing the transparent carbon nanotube film structure with the supporting from the transparent polymer solution, thereby forming the transparent carbon nanotube composite film. A light transmittance of the transparent carbon nanotube composite film structure is higher than a light transmittance of the transparent carbon nanotube film structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a cost-effective method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a hydrophilic coating thereon that is covalently attached to the lens and has a good hydrophilicity, intactness and durability. The invention also provides a silicone hydrogel contact lenses having a hydrophilic coating consisting of a prime coating covalently attached to the contact lens and a top coating covalently attached to the prime coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a golf ball. The method comprises mixing a polyisocyanate crosslinker with a base TPU cover material, wherein the polyisocyanate crossliker is aliphatic, miscible with the base TPU cover material and has functionalities greater than or equal to 2. The method further comprises dipping a golf ball in a catalyst solution, wherein the catalyst solution is allowed to absorb into a cover of the golf ball and heating the golf ball to allow continued diffusion of the catalyst solution into the cover of the golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid phosphate ester, which can be used as a flame retardant in treatments for textile substrates. More specifically, the treatments for textiles substrates can be used as flame retardant formulations for application on textile fabrics while substantially maintaining the desired characteristics (aesthetic or textural properties) of the textile. The present invention thus further provides for articles having these phosphate ester formulations applied thereon, and of processes of applying them onto various textile substrates.

Abstract: A method of improving the bonding of a coating or adhesive to an article comprising a wood surface comprises applying to the at least part of the wood surface a primer composition comprising a waterborne composition consisting essentially of at least one polyamine, at least one base and water and having a pH of at least 11.5.

Abstract: Process for passivating polymeric particles to prevent undesirable interaction with the environment. In particular, sputter coating of metal and surface treatment with aqueous solutions are shown to successfully passivate the particles, such as for example, toner particles, and prevent interaction between the particles and the epoxy embedding resin which causes artifacts, observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging.

Abstract: A die coater includes: a detecting section which detects a thickness of a coating film formed on a substrate; and a controlling section which can control the quantity of a supply flow of a coating liquid to be supplied to a cavity by a supplying section and the quantity of an ejection flow of the coating liquid to be ejected from the cavity by an ejecting section, on the basis of a detection result of the detecting section, when a coating width in a longitudinal direction of a slot has been changed.

Abstract: A nozzle for making a reinforced hollow fibre membrane discharges one or more reinforcing yarns at or near a plane where the dope exits the nozzle, or in the same plane as a discharge opening of dope passage, or both. Multiple discrete yarn discharge openings may be spaced around a longitudinal axis of the nozzle. A reinforcing yarn passage remains generally free of dope during use. The dope may be discharged in an annular ring inside of the one or more reinforcing yarns, in an annular ring outside of the reinforcing yarns, or both. Minimal tension is required to pull the yarns through the nozzle, which helps to reduce distortion of the membrane cross section in a coagulation bath.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method comprising: disposing atoms of at least one non-metal element over a surface of a cladding material of a nuclear fuel element; and forming at least one product comprising the at least one non-metal element in, over, or both, a surface layer of the cladding material; wherein the at least one non-metal element has an electronegativity that is smaller than or equal to that of oxygen. Also provided is a nuclear fuel element comprising a modified surface layer adapted to mitigate formation of Chalk River Unidentified Deposits (CRUD) on the cladding material.

Abstract: A method to provide acid etch resistance to contacting a calcareous substrate with a copolymer prepared from fluorinated methacrylate, short chain branched (meth)acrylate, and (meth)acrylic acid salt and a treated substrate.

Abstract: The process for producing an amorphous carbon film of the present invention is a process for producing an amorphous carbon film comprising contacting a surface of a substrate S with bubbles B which have been formed in a liquid L containing an organic compound and inside which plasma has been generated, so as to form an amorphous carbon film on the surface of the substrate S, and the liquid L contains one or more selected from phenols and alcohols having a carbon number of from 1 to 12. According to the present invention, a hard amorphous carbon film can be formed easily.

Abstract: Provided herein are the polymers shown below. The value n is a positive integer. R1 is an organic group, and each R2 is H or a chemisorbed group, with at least one R2 being a chemisorbed group. The polymer may be a nanostructured film. Also provided herein is a method of: converting a di-p-xylylene paracyclophane dimer to a reactive vapor of monomers; depositing the reactive vapor onto a substrate held at an angle relative to the vapor flux to form nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) film; reacting the film with an agent to form hydrogen atoms that are reactive with a precursor of a chemisorbed group, if the film does not contain the hydrogen atoms; and reacting the hydrogen atoms with the precursor. Also provided herein is a device having a nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) film on a pivotable substrate. The film has directional hydrophobic or oleophobic properties and directional adhesive properties.

Abstract: Provided is a shim member which is sandwiched between two die blocks provided in a the coater, and has the U shape formed by a base end portion which is arranged so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the slot, and a pair of extending portions which extend toward a nose portion of the die from both ends in a longitudinal direction of the base end portion, wherein a first portion which is a nose portion of at least one extending portion or the whole of at least the one extending portion, out of the pair of the extending portions, and a second portion which is the remaining portion including at least the base end portion, are structured so as to be separable from each other.

Abstract: Preparation of semiconductor nanocrystals and their dispersions in solvents and other media is described. The nanocrystals described herein have small (1-10 nm) particle size with minimal aggregation and can be synthesized with high yield. The capping agents on the as-synthesized nanocrystals as well as nanocrystals which have undergone cap exchange reactions result in the formation of stable suspensions in polar and nonpolar solvents which may then result in the formation of high quality nanocomposite films.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a superhydrophilic coating to a surface of a sonobuoy and acoustic sensors. A variety of different processed and chemistries can be used to make superhydrophilic coatings including polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide and nanoporous silica. Application to the surface can be by dipping, painting and spraying. Once applied to the outer surface of the acoustic sensor and specifically the sonobuoy, the sonobuoy can be handled/stored/deployed under existing procedures. Titanium dioxide and nanoporous silica are inorganic materials that would have to be inter-mixed with the coating. The coating allows a surface of the sonobuoy to wet completely upon immersion into a fluid thereby minimizing the formation of air bubbles on the surface whereby the suppression of bubble formation allows the sonobuoy to immediately generate high quality acoustic data.

Abstract: In a coating zone, a cylindrical tube is soaked in and taken out from a solution, such that a coating film is formed on a curved surface of the tube. In a wet gas zone, while a first gas feeding nozzle having a gas outlet moves in a state where the gas outlet faces an outer peripheral surface of the tube, wet gas is blown toward the coating film through the gas outlet. Water drops are generated on the coating film and grown up. In a dry gas zone, as in the case of the first gas feeding nozzle, while a second gas feeding nozzle having a gas outlet moves, dry gas is blown toward the coating film through the gas outlet. Solvent and water drops are evaporated from the coating film. Pores form from the water drops as a template for the porous material on the coating film.

Abstract: A method for rendering a substrate hydrophobic includes treating the substrate with an acyloxysilane. The treatment includes impregnating the substrate with an acyloxysilane and thereafter curing (hydrolyzing and condensing the acyloxysilane) to form a silicone resin. The method is particularly useful for rendering paper hydrophobic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition comprising a reaction product UA of at least one multifunctional aldehyde A with at least one cyclic urea U, and a crosslinkable resin having at least one kind of functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl functional groups, acid functional groups, amide functional groups, amino functional groups, imino functional groups, mercaptan functional groups, phosphine functional groups, and carbamate functional groups, characterised in that the degree of etherification, measured as the ratio <<(-0-R)/<<(U) of the amount of substance n(-O-R) of alkoxy groups as substituents of the aldehyde carbon atoms of the multifunctional aldehyde chemically bound in the reaction product UA to the amount of substance <<(U) of cyclic urea U chemically bound in the reaction products, is less than 0.01 mol/mol, and to a process for the preparation of the reaction product UA.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for coating a substrate. The apparatus includes one or more enclosures positioned at an angle relative to a plane. Each enclosure is capable of receiving one or more substrates. The one or more enclosures include one or more inlets for receiving a coating fluid. The coating fluid flows in a pre-defined direction to coat the one or more substrates with the coating fluid. The one or more enclosures are positioned at the angle relative to the plane by one or more supporting structures and are dynamically adjustable to enable the flow of coating fluid in pre-defined direction.

Abstract: Catalysts include nanoparticles of catalytic metal and cellulose or cellulose derivatives. The catalysts are used in electroless metal plating. The catalysts are free of tin.

Abstract: A process for the acetylation of wood comprising submerging the wood in an acetylation fluid under pressure, and subsequently heating the wood under controlled conditions to initiate two distinct exothermic reactions. The process permits the simultaneous upgrading of large quantities of commercial wood sizes having a natural durability class 4 or class 5 to a unique product of durability class 1 or class 2.

Abstract: Preparation of semiconductor nanocrystals and their dispersions in solvents and other media is described. The nanocrystals described herein have small (1-10 nm) particle size with minimal aggregation and can be synthesized with high yield. The capping agents on the as-synthesized nanocrystals as well as nanocrystals which have undergone cap exchange reactions result in the formation of stable suspensions in polar and nonpolar solvents which may then result in the formation of high quality nanocomposite films.

Abstract: Disclosed are coating apparatus and coating methods to uniformly coat complex objects. The coating apparatus comprises first, second and/or third gimbals connected to rotational mechanisms to allow rotation of the gimbals around or about first, second and/or third axis. When three gimbals are used, an object holder is connected to the third gimbal. When an object is present in the object holder, it can be immersed in a coating solution to form a coated object. After removal from the coating solution, the coated object is then rotated around or about two or three axes which produces a multidirectional centrifugal force which causes the coating solution to spread evenly over the surface of the object to produce a uniform thin film. Coating methods based on the forgoing are also disclosed.

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: Provided are chlorine-free ink and coating compositions that demonstrate improved adherence when applied to untreated flexible plastic film substrates. The provided compositions eliminate the need for a separate step of pre-treating a plastic film before applying an ink or coating composition. Also provided are methods for producing a printed article using the provided ink and coating compositions and methods of adhering chlorine-free inks or coatings that exhibit improved adhesion characteristics to untreated plastic films.

Abstract: Methods for surface treatment of polyester substrates are described. Treatment methods include adherence of a polymer layer on a surface of the polyester so as to increase the hydrophilic properties of the surface. Polymers can be polyelectrolytes that are adsorbed at the surface or polymer brushes that are polymerized at the surface. Further surface functionalization can include the adherence of inorganic nanoparticles to the surface. The polyester substrates can be recycled polyester such as recycled polyethylene terephthalate that has been subjected to a partial saponification reaction during the recycling process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process to make a reaction product UA of at least one multifunctional aldehyde A with at least one cyclic urea U, by mixing the at least one multifunctional aldehyde A with the at least one cyclic urea U in the presence of at least one alcohol R1—OH, and optionally, at least one solvent that has no reactive groups which may react with aldehyde groups, —CO—NH— groups, or hydroxyl groups, to effect an addition reaction to obtain a solution of a product UA, where R1 is selected from the group consisting of linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups having from one to twelve carbon atoms, to the reaction product obtained by this process, and to a method of use thereof as crosslinker for coating compositions.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, a method and an apparatus are provided for depositing a material on a semiconductor wafer (“wafer”). More specifically, the method and apparatus provide for selective heating of a surface of the wafer exposed to an electroless plating solution. The selective heating is provided by applying radiant energy to the wafer surface. The selective heating of the wafer surface causes a temperature increase at an interface between the wafer surface and the electroless plating solution. The temperature increase at the interface in turn causes a plating reaction to occur at the wafer surface. Thus, material is deposited on the wafer surface through an electroless plating reaction that is initiated and controlled by varying the temperature of the wafer surface using an appropriately defined radiant energy source.

Abstract: A component such as a door is coated by immersion in a fluidized bed. The component is supported by a hook assembly that moves the component within the fluidized bed during coating. The movement is cyclical and inhibits bridging of the coating material when applied to intricate articles.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer electroless plating apparatus includes a platen and a fluid bowl. The platen has a top surface defined to support a wafer, and an outer surface extending downward from a periphery of the top surface to a lower surface of the platen. The fluid bowl has an inner volume defined by an interior surface so as to receive the platen, and wafer to be supported thereon, within the inner volume. A seal is disposed around the interior surface of the fluid bowl so as to form a liquid tight barrier when engaged between the interior surface of the fluid bowl and the outer surface of the platen. A number of fluid dispense nozzles are positioned to dispense electroplating solution within the fluid bowl above the seal so as to rise up and flow over the platen, thereby flowing over the wafer when present on the platen.

Abstract: The water dispersibility of water-soluble polymer particles can be improved by a method which comprises the following step: i) foaming a fluid composition comprising a compound A) having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 or a water-insoluble polymer B) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000; ii) contacting the produced foam with water-soluble polymer particles having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000; and iii) drying the particles, whereby the foam collapses during the contacting and/or drying step and the water-soluble polymer particles are encrusted with the compound having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 or the water-insoluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of fabricating an organic electronic device, which includes dip coating layers, and the devices made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyurethane P comprising a moiety derived from a polyfunctional isocyanate F, and a hydroxyfunctional compound ABCE made from a grafted fatty acid AB which in turn is made from a fatty acid A having at least one olefinic unsaturation, and grafted with a mixture B of olefinically unsaturated monomers which mixture comprises at least one acid-functional olefinically unsaturated monomer B1, wherein the grafted fatty acid AB has on average at least 1.1 acid groups per molecule, at least one polyhydric alcohol C having at least two hydroxyl groups, and at least one fatty acid E, to a process of making this polyurethane, and to a method of use thereof in the form of an aqueous dispersion to formulate coating compositions.

Abstract: A catalyst solution includes a precious metal nanoparticle and a polymer having a carboxyl group and a nitrogen atom. The catalyst solution is useful for a catalyzing an electroless process for plating metal on non-conductive surfaces.

Abstract: An engagement head for engaging a porous substrate includes at least two pin sets, each pin set including a plurality of pins arranged in a plurality of parallel pin rows at a predetermined pin angle, wherein pins of immediately neighboring pin rows are arranged such that pin angles for the pins in a pin row are inversely symmetrical to pin angles for the pins in a neighboring pin row. The pins of a pin row move collectively in the same direction when a pin set is extended, which direction is determined by the pin angle of the pin row, whereby neighboring pin rows move in opposite longitudinal directions from one another when the pin set is extended. The pin sets may be extended and retracted in unison by a single actuation source.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming a golf ball, the method comprising mixing an aqueous polyurethane dispersion with an azridine to form an aqueous polyurethane dispersion/aziridine mixture. Then, adding the aqueous polyurethane dispersion/aziridine mixture to a water tank, to form a PUD/aziridine solution and dipping a polybutadiene core in the PUD/aziridine solution. The PUD/aziridine solution comprises 0.4 percent aziridine, 4 percent aqueous polyurethane dispersion, and 95.6 percent de-ionized water, which forms a dipped polybutadiene core. The dipped polybutadiene core is then dried at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating material for metallic substrates, comprising a water-dispersible and/or water-soluble polymer P with covalently bonded ligands A, which form chelates with the metal ions released during the corrosion of the substrate and/or with the substrate surface, and having crosslinking functional groups B, which with themselves, with further complementary functional groups B? of the polymer P and/or with further functional groups B and/or B? are able to form covalent bonds to crosslinkers V.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating of a first metal onto a workpiece 12 which exposes a second metal by a) providing a bath liquid 16 containing components containing ions of the first metal to be deposited, at least one complexing agent for the second metal and at least one acid, b) depositing the coating of first metal from the bath liquid 16 onto the workpiece 12, c) feeding the bath liquid 16 into a tank 18, d) cooling the bath liquid 16 in the settling tank 18 for generating a precipitate and filtrate, the precipitate comprised of the second metal and the at least one complexing agent, f) returning the filtrate to the bath liquid 16 and g) replenishing bath components to the bath liquid 16. In separating precipitate from the filtrate a pressure difference is generated by the filter.

Abstract: Anti-fingerprint agent substantially comprises liquid polytetrafluroethylene and silane solution. The volume ratio of the liquid polytetrafluroethylene to silane solution is about 0.5:1 to about 0.8:1. The silane solution substantially comprises methyl triethoxysilane, ethyl silicate, absolute ethanol, deionized water, and sulfuric acid. The surface treatment method using the anti-fingerprint agent and the article manufactured by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A pleasure enhancing condom comprises a tubular member being configured to encase an organ being operable for penetration and or contact during a sexual activity. A chemical composition is disposed about at least a portion of the exterior surface of the tubular member. The chemical composition comprises one or more hormones being operable for transferring to a contacting individual to enhance the sexual activity.