Abstract: An embossed multi-ply fibrous structure product having enhanced quilted appearance comprising: two or more plies of fibrous structure wherein at least one of the piles has a plurality of embossments thereon having a total embossment area of from about 6% to about 16%; the embossments forming a latticework defining a plurality of unembossed cells; wherein each cell has a surface area of from about 0.5 square inches to about 6 square inches, the cells being unadhered to the adjacent ply and the embossments having a height from about 350 ?m to about 1,500 ?m. Further embodiment comprise a product having a Percent Compressibility from about 1.5% to about 4.5%.

Abstract: A hollow structural member including a top wall having an inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. A bottom wall opposes the top wall so as to define a void therebetween and has at least one bulwark formed therein. Each bulwark has a leading face which is joined to the inner surface of the top wall to form a double-walled bulwark bridging the void. The double-walled bulwark has opposing walls and a reinforcing member that is encapsulated thereby. A process for producing a hollow structural member includes placing a parison between two mold halves before bringing together the first and second mold halves. A movable blade is positioned therein. When in the closed position, movable blade is extended into a cavity defined by the first and second mold halves to form the bulwark in the second portion of the parison to be formed into a bottom wall.

Abstract: A skateboard deck comprises a top and bottom wood portion, each wood portion having at least one layer of wood. The skateboard deck further comprises a wood core positioned in between the top and bottom wood portions. The wood core has first and second opposed surfaces, at least one of the opposed surfaces having longitudinal grooves forming hollow areas in conjunction with the top and bottom wood portions. Each of the top and bottom wood portions further comprise a crossband layer having grain perpendicular in direction to the longitudinal grooves, each crossband layer being in contact with the wood core.

Abstract: The bubble wrap of the present invention includes glitter or confetti, or both encapsulated into the bubbles of the bubble wrap and embedded between the layers of film. One or both layers of plastic which comprise the bubble wrap can be colored, or printed to accentuate the holiday or event being celebrated. A method for making the bubble wrap is also provided.

Abstract: A reflective metal polymeric insulation bubble pack assembly comprising a first reflective metal bubble pack; a second reflective metal bubble pack; and a first plurality of intervening bubble spaces suitably located between the first and the second bubble packs as to define at least one inner insulative air chamber between the first and second bubble packs. The invention provides a non-fiberglass improved R-value insulation material that is cost-effective in material, labour, production and installation costs relative to prior art materials.

Abstract: A bubble pack comprises sheet product with elongated bubbles separated in one direction by weld lines for folding and separated in another direction by strips about half a width of the bubbles. A first portion of the sheet product is formed into a sleeve and a second portion slit to form flaps for tucking inside the sleeve portion to support, protect and separate 1st and 2nd vehicle mirrors with their stem mounts overlapped in a densely stored arrangement. The mirrors and stem mounts are separated and protected by bubbles of the sheet. One flap forms a vertical support adapted to support a weight of the product's laterally-extending stems and additional flaps folded into the sleeve separate the product from each other. The bubbles shift and expand during the packing process in ways that “glove” onto the product for cushioned and secure non-scratching protection of the product.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.

Abstract: A panel that realizes satisfactory strength, weight reduction and acoustic performance. Panel (17,18) has cavity (22) defined by inside thin sheet (23) fixed to the inside surface of outside thin sheet (21), and the cavity (22) is filled with foam (24). Preferably, the foam (24) consists of a rubber acoustic material of high expansion. For the inside thin sheet (23), not only circumferential edge portion (26) and circumferential side portion (25) for defining the cavity (22) but also recessed portion (27) for increasing the panel strength is draw formed on the side of outside thin sheet (21). The bottom surfaces of the circumferential edge portion (26) and recessed portion (27) of the inside thin sheet (23) are bonded to the outside thin sheet (21) by a thermosetting adhesive.

Abstract: A multilayer polymeric product is described, which consists of a co-extruded internal central layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) copolymer, in a quantity ranging from 80 to 90% by weight with respect to the total weight of the internal layer, mixed with polycarbonate (PC), in a quantity ranging from 10 to 20% by weight with respect to the total weight of the layer, and outer, side layers, of a blend of PET, in a quantity ranging from 15 to 25% by weight with respect to the total weight of the outer layers, and PC, in a quantity ranging from 75 to 85% by weight with respect to the total weight of said outer layers, in particular for use as a building material.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a method and apparatus for forming (or cold-forming) an embossed blister from a laminated film wherein an indicia is formed on the base of the blister. In particular, the invention involves a single pass process of combining the formation of a blister and the formation of an indicia (embossing) on the blister, wherein the blister-forming pin contains a face with an indicia and is adapted to controllably stretch the laminated film during blister formation to minimize stretching of the film at the base of the blister. The invention is particularly useful in manufacturing processes which involve the formation of blisters having laminated films which contain a metal foil and polymer layer, wherein improved control in the stretching of the laminate during blister formation is desirable.

Abstract: A screen includes a plurality of concave recesses arranged on a flat surface, wherein the recesses are arranged in such a way that the spacing between adjacent ones of the recesses in the radial direction from a reference point located in the flat surface or a plane extended from the flat surface increase with distance from the reference point.

Abstract: A composite truss structure employs a sandwich-in-sandwich construction in which a composite fluted core is sandwiched between two facesheets, and at least one structural foam stiffener is sandwiched within the core or between the facesheets and/or the core.

Abstract: A multiphase polymeric material comprises a first rigid continuous phase and a second elastic phase dispersed in the first phase. The multiphase polymeric material may be formed into polymeric strips and used to make a cellular confinement system which is suitable for use in cold areas.

Abstract: The present invention describes a cutting tool with improved properties for metal machining having a substrate of cemented carbide and a hard and wear resistant coating on the surface of said substrate. The coating is deposited by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). The coating is composed of metal nitrides in combination with alumina (Al2O3). The coating is composed of a laminar multilayered structure. The insert is further treated to have different outer layers on the rake face and flank face respectively.

Abstract: There is described a cutting tool with improved properties for metal machining having a substrate of cemented carbide and a hard and wear resistant coating on the surface of said substrate. The coating is deposited by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). The coating is composed of metal nitrides in combination with alumina (Al2O3). The coating is composed of a laminar multilayered structure. The insert is further treated to have different outer layers on the rake face, and flank face respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent paper product, such as a napkin or tissue, including at least two tissue paper plies which are superposed and joined, cut or precut into a desired format and connected to one another at least over a segment of a peripheral zone. The plies are joined along the segment by marking patterns without resort to glueing and at least one ply is fitted with embossing patterns in a central zone. The invention applies to sanitary and household papers, in particular disposable napkins and tissues.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a composite structure fabricated from at least one pre-cured flat face sheet applied to a core with an adhesive. Once the pre-cured flat face sheet is applied to the core, curing of the adhesive may take place to bond the pre-cured flat face sheet to the core. Before the bonding of the pre-cured flat face sheet to the core takes place, the pre-cured flat face sheet may be prepared by separately curing a composite face sheet.

Abstract: Producing a composite structure involves providing a core structure having a folded configuration with fold valleys forming open channels extending along the valleys, and then forming a local reinforcement zone in the core structure itself, before applying any cover layer onto the core structure. The method may further involve applying two cover layers on two opposite sides of the core structure to form a composite sandwich structure, after the local reinforcement zone has been formed in the core structure. A core structure preferably has a local reinforcement zone formed by two molded bodies, e.g. of cured synthetic resin or foam, arranged form-fittingly on the opposite sides of the core.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable cellular cushioning material having an air inlet pipe path to be inflated by an inflating device through the use of an air inlet pipe, the inflatable cushioning material comprising at least two layers of plastic pre-welded in such a manner so as to form a substantially diagonally oriented lines forming sleeves along the longitudinal axis of the inflatable cellular cushioning material and a substantially horizontal welded lines along the path of the air inlet pipe whereby the horizontal welded lines substantially reduce the non-inflated areas along the path of the air inlet pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides a translucent glazing panel comprising: (a) a thermoplastic panel comprising (i) an outer wall having an inner surface defining an internal channel, the internal channel having an internal volume, and (ii) at least one inner wall protruding from the inner surface into the internal channel, and (b) hydrophobic aerogel particles, the hydrophobic aerogel particles being disposed within the channel. The invention also provides an insulated glazing system comprising: (a) a first U-shaped element, (b) a second U-shaped element, the first and second elements being disposed to define a cavity therebetween, and (c) an insulating panel disposed within the cavity. The insulated glazing system can further comprise hydrophobic aerogel particles disposed within the internal channel of the insulating panel. The insulating panel of the glazing system also can be the same as the translucent glazing panel described herein.

Abstract: To make a thickness of a concavo-convex sheet as uniform as possible while ensuring the function of an air bubble sheet as a cushioning material. A synthetic resin air bubble sheet is provided in which a concavo-convex sheet (11) and a flat sheet (12) are joined and a plurality of air bubble portions (13) are formed that form sealed spaces between the concavo-convex sheet (11) and the flat sheet (12). Each of the air bubble portions (13) has a circular truncated cone shape whose diameter becomes smaller toward the top. Where A is the diameter of the part with the largest diameter, a height B from the flat sheet (12) is in the range of 35% to 40% of A, a diameter C of a flat top portion (11d), which is the part with the smallest diameter, is in the range of 50% to 80% of A, and a radius of curvature R of a top corner portion (11c) that is formed between the flat top portion (11d) and a side wall portion (11b) is in the range of 10% to 20% of A.

Abstract: An air packaging device comprises two layers of thermoplastic films, which form a sealable space where air is fulfilled after a 1st and a 2nd steps of heat-sealing process, includes a number of independent sealed air chambers and a main air passage channel. The main channel has an air inlet. Each sealed air chamber is connected with the main channel by at least one of one-way valves each consists of at least two layers of plastic films. At least two of one-way valves are installed inside of the air chambers. This air packaging device increases the cushioning protection where the protection is most needed, but can reduce air chamber dimension at the less important location in order to reduce the volumetric size and hence reduce the shipping cost.

Abstract: A blast reducing structure having a first web and a second web. Each of the webs having a first section defining a first plane, a second section defining a second plane, the second plane being generally parallel to the first plane, an interconnecting section interconnecting the first section to the second section. The first web is disposed in mirrored relationship to the second web to define a volume. An energy absorbing liquid is disposed in the volume, such that the first section, the second section, and the interconnecting section cooperate to collapse in response to an impact pulse, thereby dissipating force associated with the impact pulse. Alternate volumes may be air-filled so as to accept the expelled liquid.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing structure component has two cover layers and an intermediate layer that is arranged between them. The intermediate layer extends in an alternating form between the cover layers, with the material of the intermediate layer being selected such that it has a higher capacity elongation prior to breaking than that of the outer cover layer. The energy of an impact can thus be absorbed as the intermediate layer is stretched into a bag shape and the inner cover layer breaks off progressively.

Abstract: A web for the manufacture of fluid filled units with a novel machine and process is disclosed. The web includes an elongate heat sealable, flattened plastic tube comprised of face and back imperforate layers. The layers are imperforately joined together along spaced side edges. The layers include superposed longitudinal lines of weakness disposed generally transversely midway between the side edges. The web has longitudinally spaced, pairs of transverse seals. Each transverse seal extends from a respective side edge to an end near but spaced from the longitudinal lines of weakness. The transverse seal pairs include transverse lines of weakness extending from one side edge to the other generally centrally of each seal in a longitudinal direction. The side edges, transverse seals and lines of weakness together delineating two oppositely oriented strings of pouches with each pouch having three imperforate sides and a centrally located fill opening at its fourth side.

Abstract: A lightweight multilayer heat reflective concrete cure blanket having a moisture-impervious top outer layer, a moisture-impervious bottom outer layer, and the top and bottom layers sealingly connected to each other at the boundaries of the layers to form a moisture-impervious chamber between the first and second layers. The chamber includes at least one bubble type insulative layer therein, and the bottom surface of the blanket comprises a heat reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the concrete when the blanket is placed over the concrete. In a further embodiment, heat reflective material is applied to at least one inner bubble type layer to reflect additional heat which radiates from the concrete through the insulative layer and back towards the concrete.

Abstract: A composite structure for microlithography, in particular a holding device for a wafer, has two or more components, the surfaces of which are bonded together at least at one bond. At least one of the components consists of cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O18) or of silicon carbide (SiC). Also disclosed is an optical arrangement, in particular a projection illumination apparatus for microlithography, having at least one such composite structure, preferably a wafer stage.

Abstract: A multiphase polymeric material comprises a first rigid continuous phase and a second elastic phase dispersed in the first phase. The multiphase polymeric material may be formed into polymeric strips and used to make a cellular confinement system which is suitable for use in cold areas.

Abstract: A flexible core element having a large bonding surface area suitable for sandwich type construction comprising a plurality of first hexagonal nodes defining a first surface, a plurality of second hexagonal nodes defining a second surface spaced apart from and parallel to the first surface, and a plurality of rectangular wall members which interconnect said first hexagonal nodes to said second hexagonal nodes and define the depth of the core element. Each hexagonal node corresponds to an open hexagonal cell on its obverse surface and serves as a bonding surface. The core element is fabricated from a continuous sheet of material that has been die-cut with a repeating geometrical design, creased and folded, concertina style, in upon itself to make a double-sided core material that is flexible, able to vent, exhibits good bend and shear strength, and has a large surface bonding area rendering it suitable in the construction of lightweight sandwich panels and offering a wide array of other applications.

Abstract: Three simple tools are used to both preform and mold a composite layup into a J-beam. A first composite charge is preformed into a C-channel using a first tool, and a second composite charge is formed into a Z-channel using both the first tool and a second tool. The C-channel and Z-channel are laid up between the first and second tools, following which a perform composite cap and third tool are added to complete the layup and the tool assembly. The layup may be molded using vacuum bagging techniques and subsequently cured while held in the tool assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable cellular cushioning material (300) having an pipe entry line (314) to be inflated by an inflating device through the use of an air inlet pipe, the inflatable cushioning material comprising at least two layers of plastic welded in such a manner so as to form a substantially horizontally oriented longitudinal lines forming at least one row of cells (320) having at least one opening (336) forming a brick like formation along the horizontal axis of the inflatable cellular cushioning material, such that a flow of air is possible from one cell to another along the horizontal span of the inflatable cellular cushioning material.

Abstract: A novel packaging wrap is used in cushioning a product for shipment and is formed from the combination of a layer of pleated sheet material, the pleated material being creased at the apices of each pleat, and a planar layer of sheet material which is adhered to, and preferably, adhesively bonded, to a pleated sheet of kraft paper. The pleated sheet material has a weight in the range from about 30 to 50 pounds and the planar sheet material is preferably tissue paper having a weight of less than about 20 pounds. The pleated sheet material preferably, has a pleat angle in the range from above 45 degrees to below 85 degrees, and most preferably the pleats have an angle of about 50 to 65 degrees. Preferably, the pleats have a height in the range from about 3 sixteenths of an inch to about one half inch, in terms of distance between top planar sheet and bottom planar sheet.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for chemical synthesis and/or analysis are disclosed. One embodiment of a disclosed apparatus comprises a laminated, microfluidic structure defining a reactor and a separator. Such apparatuses, or portions thereof, generally have dimensions ranging from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers. To implement synthetic processes, disclosed embodiments of the apparatus generally include at least one valve, and often plural, selectively actuatable valves. Detectors, including optical detectors, also can be used to detect product and other materials as they flow by, or are otherwise presented to, the detector. Individual apparatuses may be coupled both in series and in parallel to form a system for making chemical compounds. The apparatus is particularly useful for making compounds requiring iterative reaction schemes, and further can be used to make compounds having morphological structures that resemble the morphology of the apparatus itself, such as dendrimers.

Abstract: A cold-formable laminate made of an aluminium foil (26, 46) covered on both sides with plastics material for producing base parts of blister packagings for pharmaceutical products which are freeze dried in the base part has the layer sequence layer A (22)/layer B (24)/aluminium foil (26)/layer C (28)/layer D (30), wherein the layer A is a film 10 to 100 ?m thick made of COC/PE blend or coextruded COC-PE, the layers B and C are films 10 to 50 ?m thick made of oPA, oPP or PET and the layer D is a film 10 to 100 ?m thick made of COC/PE blend, coextruded COC-PE or PVC, the layers A and D being different, or layer A (22)/layer B (24)/aluminium foil (26)/layer C (28)/layer D (30), wherein the layer A is a film 4 to 20 ?m thick made of oPP or PET, the layers B and C are films 10 to 50 ?m thick made of oPA or PET and the layer D is a film 10 to 100 ?m thick made of COC/PE blend or coextruded COC/PE, or layer B (44)/aluminium foil (46)/layer C (48)/layer D (50), wherein the layers B and C are films 10 to 50 ?m thic

Abstract: A drill assembly, for example for drilling or coring concrete, has a drill column formed from a composite material. A track for a wall saw or for supporting other structures for movement along the track is formed from a composite material. A composite column, rail or other longitudinally extending composite structure having a hollow interior portion includes an internal support structure.

Abstract: A bubble wrapping sheet has a simple structure and can easily inflate all of the air bubbles to wrap a product to be protected. The air bubbles can be constructed by tube partition seals that create air tubes and by bubble partition seals that divide the air tubes into a plurality of series connected air bubbles. The shape and size of the tube partition seals and bubble partition seals can be modified to change the shape of air bubbles and the density of the air bubbles on the bubble wrapping sheet. A check valve for the bubble wrapping sheet is provided to each air tube. The check valve may be configured by an air flow maze portion having a zig-zag air passage and a common air duct portion which provides the air to the air flow maze portion of a current air tube as well as to the air flow maze portion of a next air tube.

Abstract: The bedding article includes upper and lower fabric layers which are substantially identical in configuration and are secured to each other around the peripheries thereof. A plurality of channels are defined by channel baffle members which extend in a longitudinal direction of the bedding article. A plurality of curved, cup-like baffle elements are positioned in the channels, attached to the upper and lower fabric sections. The baffle members alternate in orientation, i.e. their direction of opening, along the length of the channel, wherein adjacent baffles which curve toward each other are spaced apart so as to permit fill to be blown into the channels and the volumes bounded by the baffle elements.

Abstract: A lightweight multilayer heat reflective concrete cure blanket having a moisture-impervious top outer layer, a moisture-impervious bottom outer layer, and the top and bottom layers sealingly connected to each other at the boundaries of the layers to form a moisture-impervious chamber between the first and second layers. The chamber includes at least one bubble type insulative layer therein, and the bottom surface of the blanket comprises a heat reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the concrete when the blanket is placed over the concrete. In a further embodiment, heat reflective material is applied to at least one inner bubble type layer to reflect additional heat which radiates from the concrete through the insulative layer and back towards the concrete.

Abstract: An ergonomic floormat has particular utility as a surgical mat to decrease musculoskeletal fatigue in humans during prolonged static postural stress, as occurs during standing. The floormat is constructed in a laminated fashion utilizing bubble shaped closed cellular materials, closed cellular polyethylene foam materials and/or closed cellular polypropylene foam materials. The design provides an ergonomically, non-compressible mat, which offers high support and high Indent Force Deflection. In a preferred embodiment, the mat is designed for single use only and is completely disposable. Additional features of the mat include being water repellant, anti-static and an anti-skid bottom surface of a low-tack, adhesive material to allow for greater securement to the surgical floor and to prevent slippage.

Abstract: Sandwich structures and methods of making same. A core material structure based on blow molded segments has been developed to facilitate the use of very thick sandwich panels, 4 to 72 in. thick. The basic concept uses an array of hollow rectangular segments arranged in a sheet, to form the core, with sandwich face skins on top and bottom. The hollow core segments have wall thicknesses from about 0.015 to 0.250 in. Once the blow molded core (BMC) segments and skins are bonded together, using resin infusion (or other molding techniques) the sides of the segments form webs which act as though they were continuous; like a giant rectangular honeycomb. Sandwich structure thicknesses of 4 to 18 in. have been demonstrated.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially two-dimensional element (2D element) which bonds adhesively without bubbles under heat activation and has at least one heat-activable adhesive, one side face of said element having a groove element. The groove element comprises at least one groove adapted for the transport of a fluid. The groove is set into the side face of the 2D element in such a way that it is open towards the side face. It runs continuously from one edge section of the side face to a further edge section of the side face. By way of the groove structure formed from the at least one groove, liquid or gaseous fluids which form or collect in the bond area can be drained from the plane of the bond, thereby improving the strength of the bond. The invention further offers methods of producing and employing this 2D element.

Abstract: A wall element, comprising two outer layers extending at least substantially parallel to each other, between which two or more intermediate layers are provided, characterized in that said intermediate layers extends between the outer layers in a zigzag fashion, wherein the intermediate layers are arranged in a nested fashion.

Abstract: A mesostructured material, which has plural tubular pores and is arranged on a polymer surface, characterized in that the pores are uniaxially oriented. The mesostructured material can be developed to functional devices.

Abstract: A cushion pad for shows includes a top plate, a bottom plate and a flexible mediate portion connected between the top plate and the bottom plate. The flexible mediate portion includes a plurality of straight plates perpendicularly connected to the top plate and the bottom plate, and a serrated plate is connected between the straight plates extending from the top plate and the bottom plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent covering (1) having high damping power, secured on a structure (2) and comprising a dissipater mesh made up of a plurality of dissipating elements (3) and of nodes (4) each having its bottom end (4?) secured on said structure (2). In remarkable manner, said bottom ends (4?) of said nodes (4) project from said dissipating elements (3) so as to leave an empty space (5) between the dissipating elements (3) and said structure (2), said absorbent covering (1) including main absorbent elements (6) arranged in said empty space (5), each of said main absorbent elements (6) being secured firstly to a bottom face (3?) of a said dissipating element (3) and secondly to said structure (2).

Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.

Abstract: A structural panel comprised of a plurality of distinct layers of cylindrical foam elements each covered with a fiber-reinforced composite material. The cylindrical foam elements are arranged in layers such that the elements of adjacent layers are arranged non-parallel to one another. A pair of facesheets are secured to opposing surfaces of the cylindrical foam elements. The structural panel is high in strength, structural stiffness, and yet relatively low in weight, and is suitable for a variety of aerospace and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surface modified polymer comprising a surface which is covalently bonded to a surface modifying compound. Formation of the covalent bond between the polymer and the surface modifying compound is achieved by a reaction between an intrinsic functional group that is present in the polymer and the functional group of the surface modifying compound. By using a polymer having an intrinsic functional group, a separate surface activation step is avoided.