Abstract: Methods are disclosed for synthesizing nanocomposite materials including ferromagnetic nanoparticles with polymer shells formed by controlled surface polymerization. The polymer shells prevent the nanoparticles from forming agglomerates and preserve the size dispersion of the nanoparticles. The nanocomposite particles can be further networked in suitable polymer hosts to tune mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of the final composite polymer system. An exemplary method includes forming a polymer shell on a nanoparticle surface by adding molecules of at least one monomer and optionally of at least one tethering agent to the nanoparticles, and then exposing to electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength selected to induce bonding between the nanoparticle and the molecules, to form a polymer shell bonded to the particle and optionally to a polymer host matrix. The nanocomposite materials can be used in various magneto-optic applications.

Abstract: A fully additive method for forming multilayer electrical interconnects for printed electronic and/or optoelectronic devices is disclosed. Electrical interconnects are fabricated by directly ink-jet printing a dielectric material with selective interconnection holes, and then ink jet printing conductive patterns and filling the interconnection holes with conductive material to form multilayer interconnects. A method for manufacturing a multilayer printed electronic system utilizing the invention is also disclosed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photo-alignment layer, includes: disposing a polymer material on a substrate; pre-baking the polymer material disposed on the substrate; irradiating a light to the pre-baked polymer material, to photo-align the pre-baked polymer material; and thermal-treating the irradiated pre-baked polymer material, to harden the irradiated pre-baked polymer material. The thermal-treating includes a first thermal-treatment, and a second thermal-treatment at a higher temperature than the first thermal-treatment.

Abstract: A method of forming graphene comprises supplying energy to at least a portion of an organic material monolayer disposed on a substrate. The energy is sufficient to carbonize the at least a portion of the monolayer exposed thereto to form a layer of graphene on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the conductivity of an undoped transparent metal oxide to obtain a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) electrode. More in particular it relates to such a method comprising the steps of providing a transparent metal oxide, applying a UV transparent barrier layer on the transparent metal oxide, and irradiating the transparent metal oxide with UV radiation after applying the barrier layer.

Abstract: Fragrances that provide a scent of freshness tend to be volatile and are therefore not very economical when used in typical applications such as washing or cleaning processes, so they have to be used in relatively large quantities to be able to produce adequate effects. The disclosed photolabile pro-fragrances provide a much longer-lasting sense of fragrance, in particular with a scent of freshness, when used in typical applications, thus allowing said fragrances to be used economically.

Abstract: A fully additive method for forming optical waveguides and devices, such as thermo-optic polymer switches and electro-optic polymer modulators, is disclosed. A first polymer material of refractive index N1 is coated onto a suitable substrate to form a first cladding layer. The first cladding is then selectively patterned using a mold to form an impression of the waveguide core into the first cladding layer. Next, a core layer is formed by ink-jet printing onto the imprinted first cladding layer with a core material of refractive index N2 (N2>N1). The core layer is subsequently coated by ink jet printing with a second polymer material of refractive index N3 (N3<N2) to form a second cladding, resulting in an optical waveguide. An electrode may be ink jet printed before coating the first cladding material or after coating the second cladding material, or both before and after coating, in order to form active photonic devices.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides are disclosed comprising an amino acid sequence encoding a monomer of a fibrous polypeptide attached to a heterologous polysaccharide binding domain. Composites comprising same, methods of generating same and uses thereof are all disclosed.

Abstract: A preparing method of a catalyst for a fuel cell includes mixing a nitrogen-containing compound, a metal-containing compound, a carbon support, and a solvent to form a first composition, so that the nitrogen-containing compound and the metal-containing compound are dispersed in the solvent; removing the solvent of the first composition to form a second composition; performing a microwave process on the second composition.

Abstract: A light guide plate includes a first transparent base layer, an adhesive layer and a transparent composite layer. The adhesive layer is configured for bonding the transparent composite layer on the first transparent base layer. The transparent composite layer is located on the adhesive layer, and the transparent composite layer comprising a light emitting surface, the light emitting surface includes a plurality of microstructures.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal element of an electronic device on a substrate, including the steps of: forming a mixture of a material comprising metal atoms with a liquid, depositing the material from the liquid mixture onto a substrate, and then irradiating at least part of the deposited material with light to increase the electrical conductivity of the deposited material.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive evaluation of an article of manufacture (30) by coating the article with a temperature-sensitive coating (34), stimulating the article with energy (18) to induce temperature changes in the article responsive to features of the article, then evaluating (24) a resulting topography of energy-induced changes (50, 52, 53) in the coating (34). The energy imparted to the article may be, for example, electromagnetic, magnetic, or sonic energy that produces localized changes in temperature in the article (30) in response to features (32) of the article such as flaws or other discontinuities. The coating (34) may be a suspension of liquid crystals in a liquid, and the energy may be an application of sonic energy. The coating may be a material that hardens (42, 54) or softens (44, 56) upon a slight increase in temperature. Layers (34, 35) of different energy-sensitive coatings (38, 40) may be applied to indicate different aspects of features of the article.

Abstract: A method of forming graphene includes placing a substrate in a processing chamber and introducing a cleaning gas including hydrogen and nitrogen into the processing chamber. The method also includes introducing a carbon source into the processing chamber and initiating a microwave plasma in the processing chamber. The method further includes subjecting the substrate to a flow of the cleaning gas and the carbon source for a predetermined period of time to form the graphene.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for mitigating pinhole defects in optical devices such as electrochromic windows. One method mitigates a pinhole defect in an electrochromic device by identifying the site of the pinhole defect and obscuring the pinhole to make it less visually discernible. In some cases, the pinhole defect may be the result of mitigating a short-related defect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patterned polarization converter having multiple domains that can be used to convert input linear polarized light to output light with spatially varying polarization states, including domains that produce linearly polarized light and domains that produce circular polarized light based on the patterning of the domains. A patterned polarization converter having multiple domains may be used in a polarization sensor application capable of detecting the polarization state of input light. The present invention further provides patterned radial and azimuthal polarization converters, which have utility in applications such as optical tweezers. Additionally, patterned polarization converters may be used to fabricate more patterned polarization converters having the same pattern using one-step photoalignment to copy the pattern of an existing patterned polarization converter to an unpatterned photoalignment layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for production of a module, including the steps of: (a) providing a substrate (1) having a first surface (5); (b) providing an open casting mold (6), wherein the formation of at least one optical element (4, 4?) is provided in the casting mold (6); (c) coating the first surface (5) with an adhesion promoter (2); (d) covering the coated surface (2, 5) with a silicone (3) in the open casting mold while forming the optical element from the silicone (3); and (e) curing the silicone in the casting mold.

Abstract: Provided is an ink jet recording head, including a member provided with an ejection orifice for ejecting ink, in which the ink jet recording head further includes a water-repellent layer including a cured product of a condensed product obtained by condensation of a hydrolyzable silane compound having an epoxy group and a hydrolyzable silane compound having a perfluoropolyether group on a surface of the member on a side on which the ejection orifice opens.

Abstract: Methods directed to the synthesis of metal nanoparticles are described. A formation process can be carried out at ambient temperature and pressure and includes the deposition of metal ions on a titanate carrier according to a chemical deposition process followed by exposure of the metal ions to a reducing agent. Upon the exposure, nanoparticles of the reduced metal are formed that are adhered to the titanate carrier.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a security document comprising the steps of providing a transparent plastics substrate, applying a radiation curable ink directly to at least side of the substrate and simultaneously embossing and curing with radiation different regions in the same area of the ink on one side of the substrate with at least two different embossed relief structures, each forming a different type of diffractive security element integrated within the same area to form a composite security device.

Abstract: A pattern formation method includes forming an electromagnetic wave blocking structure having a region on a one side of a support substrate, a reflectance of an electromagnetic wave in the region being lower than a reflectance in an area outside the region; forming a mask layer provided with an opening corresponding to the region and configured to be thermally decomposed at a predetermined temperature on an other side of the support substrate; forming a first heated layer in the opening; and shedding an electromagnetic wave from the one side of the support substrate on the electromagnetic wave blocking structure, wherein an intensity of the electromagnetic wave is determined such that a temperature of the mask layer is less than the predetermined temperature and a temperature of the first heated layer being heated is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present application relates to a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal cell, a liquid crystal film, and methods of preparing the same. As an exemplary liquid crystal composition, according to the present application can provide a liquid crystal layer aligned without a special alignment layer. According to the liquid crystal composition, all of the liquid crystal cell, in which the liquid crystal layer is maintained in a non-polymerized state, and the liquid crystal film prepared by polymerizing the liquid crystal layer can be provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a laser-activated thermoplastic substrate having a metal compound dispersed therein is described. The substrate is contacted with an aqueous composition comprising: (i) a thiol functional organic compound; (ii) an ethoxylated alcohol surfactant; and (iii) xanthan gum. By use of the treatment composition, when the substrate is subsequently laser-activated and plated by electroless plating, extraneous plating of the substrate is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: An analytic plate or other substrate having a permanent etchable, laserable, and/or developable marking surface coating (referred to herein as an “etchable coating” or as a “developable coating”) that is present on at least a portion of any side or surface thereof and is used to deposit a permanent indicium thereon, and a method of using the analytic plate or substrate.

Abstract: A pattern of conductive micro-wires as in a conductive pattern can be prepared using photo-lithography, or imprint technology. A photocurable composition is cured to form a pattern of photocured micro-channels. A conductive composition comprising metal nano-particles is added to the photocured micro-channels and excess conductive composition outside the photocured micro-channels is removed. The conductive composition in the photocured micro-channels is then dried at a temperature of less than 60° C. The dried conductive composition in the photocured micro-channels is treated with hydrogen chloride vapor to form conductive micro-wires in the photocured micro-channels at a temperature of less than 60° C. The outer surface of the conductive micro-wires is then polished in the presence of water, to form a micro-wire pattern.

Abstract: Provided is a transparent conductive ink which contains metal nanowires and/or metal nanotubes as a conductive component and can form a coating film which has good conductivity and a high light transmittance property, and also provided is a transparent conductive pattern forming method wherein this transparent conductive ink is used for forming a transparent conductive pattern by simple production steps, to thereby suppress the production cost and environmental load. At least one of metal nanowires and metal nanotubes are dispersed in a dispersion medium containing a shape-holding material which contains an organic compound having a molecular weight in the range of 150 to 500 and which has a viscosity of 1.0×103 to 2.0×106 mPa·s at 25° C., to prepare a transparent conductive ink.

Abstract: Disclosed are hollow silica particles having oil absorption ratio of at most 0.1 ml/g, porosity of hollow particles when mixed with a resin of at least 90%, and melting temperature of 130-200° C., and including a silicon compound having an organic group as a main component, and a composition including the hollow silica particles. A sheet including a base and a coating layer formed on the base and including a resin, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The coating layer includes a plurality of inner cavities, and components of the hollow particles are attached to the inner circumference of the inner cavities. The sheet has good transparency and insulation performance, and the inner cavities may be formed by simply melting hollow particles.

Abstract: Hot melt compositions include non-aromatic cyclic (alkyl)acrylates and low acid number waxes. Upon application of actinic radiation, the hot melt compositions cure to form resists. They may be stripped from substrates with high alkaline strippers. The hot melt compositions may be used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards and photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a metal coating on a portion of the surface of a substrate of a microelectronic device, wherein it comprises, using a modified nucleic acid strand comprising a nucleic acid strand structure, at least one metal nanoparticle and/or a metal atom and at least one chemical function, at least one step of fixing the chemical function of the at least one modified nucleic acid strand on the portion of the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a patterned conductive film may include a conductive interconnected nano-structure film. The conductive interconnected nano-structure film may include a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region. A conductivity of the first region may be at least 1000 times a conductivity of the second region.

Abstract: Apparatus, and methods of making and using apparatus, for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed from the open space into an eye. A lubricity enhancing component is covalently bonded to the hollow tube at the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the intraocular lens through the hollow space. The lubricity enhancing component includes a substituent component effective to reduce hydrolysis of said lubricity enhancing component relative to an identical lubricity enhancing component without the substituent component.

Abstract: A molding method includes drawing cross-section elements of a three-dimensional object as a molding target on a drawing surface of a drawing stand with a liquid whose curing is precipitated by receiving activation energy as cross-section patterns; applying the activation energy to the liquid configuring the cross-section patterns in a state in which the cross-section patterns is pinched between the drawing stand and a molding stand; and detaching the cross-section patterns after being applied with the activation energy from the drawing stand and transferring the cross-section patterns to the molding stand side, wherein the drawing surface has a liquid repellent area that is an area representing liquid repellency for the liquid and a lyophilic area that is independently formed in an island shape within the liquid repellent area and is an area representing lyophillicity stronger than that of the liquid repellent area for the liquid.

Abstract: A method for producing a long retardation film having an optical axis in an oblique direction relative to the length direction of the long retardation film is provided.

Abstract: There is provided with a plating method. At least a portion of a surface of a resin product is irradiated with ultraviolet light. An alkali processing is performed on the resin product with an alkali solution. An electroless plating catalyst is applied to the portion of the surface of the resin product which is irradiated with the ultraviolet light in the irradiating. This applying includes processing the resin product with a solution containing a palladium complex having a positive electric charge at least at a part of the palladium complex. Electroless plating is performed on the resin product.

Abstract: Provided is an oriented-film-forming composition that can give a laminated body which has a substrate, an oriented film and an optically anisotropic film and which is excellent in heat resistance and light resistance. The oriented-film-forming composition is a composition including an oriented-film-forming material and an antioxidant. The antioxidant is preferably a phenolic antioxidant. The oriented-film-forming material preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimides, polyamides and polyamic acids. The composition preferably satisfies Mw(A)/Mw(B)>0.85 wherein Mw(B) represents the weight-average molecular weight of the oriented-film-forming material after the composition is heated at 100° C. for 1 hour, and Mw(A) represents that of the same material before the heating.

Abstract: A production method for producing a thin circularly polarizing plate at a high productivity is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing the retardation film. The method includes providing a microstructure substrate. The microstructure substrate has a plurality of protruding portions and a plurality of recessed portions alternatively arranged. The method further includes forming an optical alignment layer on the microstructure substrate. The method further includes applying a polarized ultraviolet (UV) to the optical alignment layer above the microstructure substrate. The polarized UV is applied in a diffusion angle from normal vector of the microstructure substrate such that the optical alignment layer forms a uniform alignment angle, and the diffusion angle is substantially 20°-60°.

Abstract: A laminate having excellent abrasion resistance to physical stimuli such as dust. The laminate comprises a base layer, a hard coat layer and a top coat layer containing flaky metal oxide fine particles all of which are formed in the mentioned order. The flaky metal oxide fine particles are hardened by at least one method selected from the group consisting of ionizing material exposure, ionizing radiation exposure, infrared exposure, microwave exposure and high-temperature vapor exposure.

Abstract: A method for dying and/or printing adhesive closure parts (10) having a plurality of hooks (12) predominately made of a plastic material connected to a carrier (14), applies a dye medium to the surface (16) of the adhesive closure part (10) or its parts by an application unit (18). Because the dye used is based on a solvent free wax applied by the application unit (18) in a melted form in droplets, bubbles, or pellet form, and enters into a fixed connection to the surface (16) in the cooled, cured state, a wax dye application may be achieved that is markedly colorfast and UV resistant.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrically conductive thin film on a substrate is disclosed. Initially, a reducible metal compound and a reducing agent are dispersed in a liquid. The dispersion is then deposited on a substrate as a thin film. The thin film along with the substrate is subsequently exposed to a pulsed electromagnetic emission to chemically react with the reducible metal compound and the reducing agent such that the thin film becomes electrically conductive.

Abstract: A method for producing a transparent conductive pattern having an improved conductivity by pulse light irradiation. A transparent conductive pattern is produced by coating and drying a dispersion liquid having metal nanowires dispersed therein on a substrate, to deposit the metal nanowires, and irradiating pulsed light having a pulse width of 20 microseconds to 50 milliseconds to the metal nanowires deposited on the substrate, to thereby join intersections of the metal nanowires.

Abstract: Provided is a transparent conductive film wherein an electrically conductive region is converted to an electrically insulating region more readily and rapidly than traditional conductive films and the level difference between the electrically conductive region and the electrically insulating region is smaller. The transparent conductive film has an electrically conductive region 4 and an electrically insulating region 5. The electrically conductive region 4 contains a resin component 10, a metal nanowire 2 and an insulation-promoting component 3. The insulation-promoting component 3 has a light absorption higher than that of the metal nanowire 2. The electrically insulating region 5 is defined by a region which contains a resin component 10 but not the metal nanowire 2 or a region which contains a resin component 10 and additionally a metal nanowire 2 having an aspect ratio of smaller than that of the metal nanowire 2.

Abstract: A liquid-crystal photo-alignment layer that is composed of polymer stabilized azo dyes is provided, where a polymer network is introduced in the photo-alignment layer for stabilization. The photo-alignment layer is realized based on a two-step irradiation to first achieve molecule alignment to form the photo-alignment layer and then stabilize this layer. To realize the photo-alignment layer, a pre-determined surface of the substrate is first coated with a film of mixture. The mixture comprises an azo dye and a monomer preferably mixed in an optimal concentration of 0.67 wt/wt. The azo dye and the monomer have light-absorption peaks at different wavelengths such that photo-alignment of the azo-dye molecules and stabilization of the photo-alignment layer by polymerization of the monomer are achievable by two separate exposures of light to the film.

Abstract: Polyimides derived from a primary aromatic diamine and aromatic dianhydride mono-mer moieties, wherein one or more of said moieties contain at least one substituent on the aromatic ring selected from propyl and butyl, especially from isopropyl, isobutyl, tert.butyl, show good solubility and are well suitable as dielectric material in electronic devices such as capacitors and organic field effect transistors.

Abstract: A process for preparing a palladium nanoparticle ink comprises reacting a reaction mixture comprising a palladium salt, a stabilizer, a reducing agent, and an optional solvent to directly form the palladium nanoparticle ink. During the formation of the palladium nanoparticle ink, the palladium nanoparticles are not isolated from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrode catalyst substrate is provided herein, which comprises a carbon film forming step of forming a porous carbon film on a base, a hydrophilization step of hydrophilizing the porous carbon film, an immersion step of immersing the base in a solution prepared by dissolving catalytic metal ions in a polar solvent, and a reduction step of adding a reducing agent to the solution and thus reducing the catalytic metal ions. An electrode catalyst substrate obtained by the method and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which the electrode catalyst obtained by the method is used for anodes and/or cathodes are also provided herein. In the electrode catalyst of the present invention, fine catalyst particles are loaded in a uniform and highly dispersed manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a pattern for a decorative panel. The method includes applying a clear gel coat on a mold to form a clear layer. The clear layer is cured and then digitally printed with one or more inks so as to produce a pattern on the clear layer. Also disclosed is a decorative panel including a clear layer, an opaque layer and a pattern digitally printed on the clear layer, between the clear and opaque layers, such that the pattern is visible through the clear layer.

Abstract: A mixture of an elastomer, carbon black, and inorganic fillers provides a highly useful laser-ablatable flexographic printing plate precursor formulation. This formulation is sensitive to infrared radiation. Both flexographic printing plates and printing sleeves can be made using the mixture.

Abstract: The gas barrier property of a laminate constituted by a base material containing a resin or a rubber and an oxide glass is improved. A composite member containing an oxide glass 2 formed as a layer densely on a base material 1 containing a resin or a rubber, in which the oxide glass is bonded to the base material by irradiating the oxide glass with an electromagnetic wave and softening and fluidizing the oxide glass.

Abstract: An oil composition including at least three vegetable oils, each vegetable oil being distinct from the other and each having a smoke point above 200° F., wherein the combined volume of the at least three vegetable oils is at least about 25% of the total volume of the oil composition. A method of removing or preventing carbon fouling on a mechanical component of a device, comprising depositing a vegetable oil composition on the mechanical component of the device, wherein the vegetable oil composition comprises at least one vegetable oil having a smoke point above 200° F., wherein the at least one vegetable oil is present in an amount of at least about 25% by volume of the total volume of the oil composition and wherein operation of the device deposits carbon on the mechanical component.

Abstract: In an example of the surface coating method, an aromatic resin or a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonate is dissolved in an organic solvent to form a solution. A film precursor is formed on a surface of an electrode material by immersing the electrode material into the solution, and evaporating the organic solvent. The electrode material is selected from the group consisting of an electrode active material particle and a pre-formed electrode. The film precursor is exposed to i) a thermal treatment having a temperature equal to or less than 500° C., or ii) ultraviolet light irradiation, or iii) both i and ii, to carbonize the film precursor to form a carbon film on the surface of the electrode material. Also disclosed herein is a method for improving electrochemical performance of an electrode for a lithium based battery.