Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate with a solid support coated with a porous hydrophobic polymer layer or film, wherein said polymer layer or film is coated with a water-immiscible hydrophobic liquid forming a stable film on the polymer surface. The present invention further relates to a method of forming a protein- and cell-repellent surface, comprising the steps of providing a substrate with a solid support coated with a porous hydrophobic polymer layer or film, and applying a water-immiscible hydrophobic liquid to said porous hydrophobic polymer layer or film, a respective method of preventing the formation of biofilms, adhesion of cells and bacteria, and/or migration of cells and bacteria on a surface, as well as the use of a porous hydrophobic polymer layer or film that is coated with a water-immiscible hydrophobic liquid for forming a protein-, cell- and bacteria-repellent surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam composition comprising a polyol, an isocyanate, a first catalyst capable of accelerating a reaction between the polyol and the isocyanate and a second catalyst capable of initiating a reaction between the polyol and the isocyanate at a rate slower than the first catalyst. There is also provided a method for preparing the foam composition.

Abstract: An article undergoing stimulus-induced deformation, that is capable of being driven rapidly and in large displacement in air, is provided. An article undergoing stimulus-induced deformation comprising, incorporated in a polymer material having a cell, a liquid crystal serving as a deformation source in a skeleton other than the cell.

Abstract: An article comprises a substrate, a first functional polymeric phase change material, and a plurality of containment structures that contain the first functional polymeric phase change material. The article may further comprise a second phase change material chemically bound to at least one of the plurality of containment structures or the substrate. In certain embodiments, the article further comprises a second phase change material and a binder that contains at least one of the first polymeric phase change material and the second phase change material.

Abstract: A system and method for primarily erecting curvilinear buildings using a plurality of interconnected structural tubes/sandwich panels is provided. Fabricating a structural tubing comprises: connecting a fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a flexible outer membrane, wherein the lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam material when cured; and curing the curable material. Fabricating a sandwich panel comprises: connecting a first fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a first flexible outer membrane, wherein the first lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam when cured; connecting a second fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a second flexible outer membrane, wherein the second lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam when cured; and curing the curable material of the first lining and second linings.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to filled polyimides that can be used in films and articles comprising the films. The films are useful in coverlay applications and have advantageous optical properties. The present disclosure also relates to blends of polyimide precursor, polyacrylonitrile, and cellulosic polymer which can be used to obtain the filled polyimides.

Abstract: Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.

Abstract: Porous hybrid inorganic/organic materials comprising ordered domains are disclosed. Methods of making the materials and use of the materials for chromatographic are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous device with restrictive layer comprises the steps of providing a porous structure having a micro pore structure, flattening the porous carrier to form a surface, and forming a restrictive layer on the surface of the porous carrier, a method for manufacturing said restrictive layer includes forming a nickel-chromium alloy layer on the surface of the porous carrier, forming a copper metal layer on the nickel-chromium alloy layer, forming a nickel metal layer having a top surface on the copper metal layer, and processing said nickel-chromium alloy layer, said copper metal layer and said nickel metal layer to form a plurality of channels communicating with the micro pore structure and the top surface. The restrictive effect and damping effect can raise anti-vibration ability of the porous device itself by formation of dual restrictive structure composed of the micro pore structure and the channels.

Abstract: Embodiments of a new foamed surface covering are disclosed, wherein a primary layer of polymeric foam features at least one coherent layer consisting of a water-resistant blend of styrene-maleic anhydride and acrylic resin. The coherent layer facilitates the secured and reusable application of the surface covering after repeated washings.

Abstract: A cavity filler for use in a hollow pillar of a vehicle. The cavity filler includes a carrier having a generally planar upper surface, an expandable foam mounted to the carrier wherein the expandable foam is mounted to the carrier around a peripheral edge of the carrier. The invention further includes a flange connected to the expandable foam (also made of the expandable foam) wherein the flange extends away from and generally parallel with the planar upper surface of the carrier. The extension and flange of the expandable foam are operable to extend the expandable foam to ensure a full filling of the expandable foam after the heat treating process. The fully occupied hollow cavity of the pillar with the expandable foam blocks the transmission of noise from the engine, wind and/or road noise through the pillars to the interior vehicle cabin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article with at least one switching segment. The switching segment comprises a shape-memory compound and an isolating region surrounding the shape memory compound. The present invention also provides a method of producing such an article.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, a planar insulating substrate and a chipset have been presented, comprising at least one module configured to establish a predefined pattern on a planar insulating substrate so that conductive particles can gather according to the predefined pattern. At least one another module is configured to transfer the conductive particles to the planar insulating substrate, wherein the conductive particles are arranged to gather according to the predefined pattern. A sintering module is configured to fuse the conductive particles on the planar insulating substrate, wherein the conductive particles are arranged to fuse according to the predefined pattern to establish a conductive plane on the planar insulating substrate. Embodiment of the invention relate to printable or printing electronics on a fibrous web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blowing agent compositions comprising the unsaturated halogenated hydroolefin 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO 1243zf) and combinations including primarily 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO 1243zf). The blowing agent compositions are useful in that they provide sufficient plasticization to permit the production of low density insulating thermoplastic foams with improved k-factor.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of submicron natural ground calcium carbonate particles contained in a liquid binder, wherein the resultant coating may constitute either a clear coat or a glossing and opacifying coating, depending upon the presence of certain additives such as a mineral pigment (e.g., TiO2). The composition is characterised in that comprises, in the case of a clear coating, at least one ground natural calcium carbonate having a median diameter of between 0.05 and 0.15 ?m, while in the case of a glossing and opacifying coating, at least one ground natural calcium carbonate having a median diameter of between 0.05 and 0.3 ?m and at least one pigment having a refractive index of greater than or equal to 2.5.

Abstract: A porous composite substrate that includes reinforcement material disposed within a resin matrix. The resin matrix includes a first matrix region with a first density, and a second matrix region with a second density that is different than the first density. The first matrix region includes a plurality of pores that are formed by pore forming material.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic coating can be antireflective and antifogging. The coating can remain antireflective and antifogging for extended periods. The coating can have a graded refractive index. The coating for wafer-level optics can be for targeted capillary condensation in nanoparticle containing reflow-compatible coatings.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of a true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils.

Abstract: A sound insulator of the invention includes a sound absorption layer and an air-impermeable resonance layer, which are bonded to each other via an adhesive layer. The sound absorption layer has a thickness in a range of 5 to 50 mm, an area-weight of not greater than 2000 g/m2 and a two-layer structure of a high-density sound absorption layer and a low-density sound absorption layer The high-density sound absorption layer is bonded to the air-impermeable resonance layer via the adhesive layer and has a density in a range of 0.05 to 0.20 g/cm3and a thickness in a range of 2 to 30 mm. The low-density sound absorption layer is bonded to the other face of the high-density sound absorption layer via an adhesive layer and has a density in a range of 0.01 to 0.10 g/cm3 and a thickness in a range of 2 to 30 mm.

Abstract: Reticulated composites are formed with a thin coating of a ductile biocompatible metal such as tantalum on a brittle biocompatible substrate such as vitreous carbon. Such composites exhibit physical properties that permit these monolithic composites to be morselized, or sized and shaped manually. Such composites exhibit surfaces with excellent ductile metal biocompatibility properties, but with strength and fracture physical properties that are more characteristic of the brittle substrate than of the ductile metal. Such composites fracture easily, and may be morselized or worked by manual sizing and shaping. Such morselization and working is accomplished by breaking or fracturing the composite, rather than plastically deforming it. Morselized or manually shaped reticulated composites exhibit excellent biocompatibility characteristics with micro- and nano-textured surfaces that promote rapid bone ingrowth and adhesion. When the composite is broken, the substrate is exposed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for forming ultra-thin hydrophilic polymeric coatings on articles, as well as articles formed therefrom. The coatings are formed by irradiating a composition including a polymer having pendent photoreactive groups while the composition is in contact with a surface of the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides sintered composite polymeric materials and methods of making and using the same. The sintered composite polymeric materials are made by sintering composite particles comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene component and a carbonaceous component, wherein the carbonaceous component is dispersed throughout the polytetrafluoroethylene component.

Abstract: A method of making a membrane assembly is provided. The method comprises forming an inorganic membrane layer disposed on a substrate, and forming a plurality of macropores in the substrate at least in part using anodization. Further, a membrane assembly is provided. The membrane assembly comprises a filtering membrane that is coupled to an anodized substrate comprising a plurality of macropores.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a molded product of which surface is modified by a functional material using a molding machine such as a general-purpose injection molding machine or extrusion molding machine. The method for producing the molded product includes: mixing a block copolymer having a hydrophilic segment with the functional material; mixing the block copolymer, which has been mixed with the functional material, with a thermoplastic resin; and molding the thermoplastic resin in which the functional material and the block copolymer are mixed.

Abstract: The laminate of cloths includes a first outer layer, a second layer, and an inner layer disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. A layer thickness of the inner layer disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer is formed to be larger than a cloth thickness of the inner layer, and a space part is formed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer.

Abstract: A method includes dispensing a first polymer or predominantly polymer material foam precursor and allowing the precursor to rise and at least partially set to form a foam core layer for an insulation board, the foam core layer having a first density. The method further comprises dispensing a second polymer or predominantly polymer material foam precursor and allowing the second precursor to rise and set to form a core layer for a cover board, the core layer for the cover board having a second density greater than the first density. The second foam precursor may include polyisocyanurate. The method may also include feeding facer materials over the precursors to form facers on the core layers. Such insulation boards and cover boards may be cut to length and installed on a roof.

Abstract: The invention provides a fused cast refractory product having the following mean chemical composition by weight, as a percentage by weight based on the oxides: 25%<MgO<30%; 70%<Al2O3<75%; other species: <1%. The invention is applicable to a regenerator associated with a soda-lime glass fusion furnace operating under reducing conditions.

Abstract: A golf bag is disclosed that includes base formed of a flexible material, such as a polymer foam material. The base is formed as a one-piece element, and the base may be flexible such that the golf bag is supportable in an upright position or an inclined position. A flexion line may be formed in the base to promote flexing or pivoting in a specific area, and wear elements may be added to an exterior surface of the base to impart wear-resistance.

Abstract: A laser-engraveable composition comprises a laser-engraveable resin having dispersed therein non-crosslinked organic porous particles. These non-crosslinked organic porous particles have a non-crosslinked organic solid phase including an external particle surface and at least one set of discrete pores that are dispersed within the non-crosslinked organic solid phase. The laser-engraveable composition further comprises an infrared radiation absorber within at least some of the non-crosslinked organic porous particles.

Abstract: A self-assembled carbon structure such as a carbon opal is disclosed herein. The structure is composed of hydrophilic carbon spheres oriented in a periodic colloidal crystal structure, wherein the carbon spheres have a porous surface, wherein the carbons spheres have an average particle diameter less than 3000 nm. Also disclosed is an inverse opal structure that includes a plurality of voids in the structural material. The voids are regularly arranged in an ordered periodic structure, the voids having a spherical shape. The inverse opal structure has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g and method for making the same together with materials that employ the same.

Abstract: Provision of a porous ceramic material which rapidly induces bone tissue formation and has practical strength. A porous ceramic material 11 having substantially unidirectionally oriented pores 12, a porosity of 40-90%, and an average open area of one pore of 0.05×10?3-50×10?3 mm2 both in a first sectional surface perpendicular to the pore 12 orientation direction and a second sectional surface parallel to the first sectional surface and 5 mm distant from the first sectional surface in the pore 12 orientation direction. Using the material 11, when a cylindrical test piece (diameter 3 mm×height 5 mm, the pore 12 array direction as a height direction) made of the material is dipped in polyethylene glycol up to 1 mm from one end thereof, polyethylene glycol permeates through the whole test piece preferably within 30 seconds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite material from a particulate binder material having an average particle size (D9 0) of from 15 to 850 pm and a fibrous material having a density of from 150 to 550 kg/m3, comprising the steps of: a) blending the particulate binder material and the fibrous material, preferably in a weight ratio of 60:40 to 10:90, and b) subjecting the blended material obtained in a) to a curing step under increased temperature and pressure to obtain a composite material. The invention further relates to the composite material thus obtained, and to its use as building materials or as panelling.

Abstract: Sag in ceiling tiles is reduced by the present coated ceiling tile and method which decreases sag in the coated ceiling tiles. Calcined gypsum and water are combined to form a coating which is applied to the back side of a base ceiling tile in a thin layer of about 100 micrometer to about 1000 micrometers. The coating optionally includes a set time modifier. This method makes a coated ceiling tile from a base ceiling tile having a front side and a back side opposing the front side. The coating is applied to the back side of the base ceiling tile, the coating comprising an interlocking matrix of calcium sulfate dihydrate. Optionally, remnants of the set time modifier are present within interstices in the gypsum matrix. The remnants of the set time molecule include ions, molecules, particles or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A writing kit including a plastic sheet, a binding and a case with a closing element to hold the plastic sheet in the case. The case has at least one hole at a center portion of the case and the sheet has at least one hole in the sheet. A binding comprising a flexible cord is laced through the hole in the sheet and the case and a clasp slidingly engages the cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous metal-organic framework material comprising a bidentate organic compound bound by coordination to a metal ion, the metal ion being AlIII and the bidentate organic compound being 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate, wherein the X-ray diffractogram (XRD) of the framework material has a first reflection in the range from 6.5°<2?<7.5° and a second reflection in the range from 13.8°<2?<15.0°, the area of the first reflection being greatest in relation to the area of all reflections in the range from 2°<2?<70° and the area of the second reflection being second greatest, and the sum of the areas of the first and second reflections giving at least 50% in relation to the total area of all reflections in the range from 2°<2?<70°. The invention further relates to shaped bodies comprising such a framework material, processes for production of the framework material and also to the use of the framework material or of the proposed shaped body.

Abstract: A friction material which includes a porous base material, at least one type of resin material, and at least one type of nanoparticle-sized friction modifying particle is disclosed. The resin material is substantially uniformly dispensed throughout the base material and a non-continuous layer of a predetermined amount of the nanoparticle-sized friction modifying materials forms a porous top surface on the base material.

Abstract: A turf underlayment layer for supporting an artificial turf assembly includes a plurality of panels assembled together, each panel being made from a plurality of polyolefin beads bonded together, each panel further including a core, a top side having a plurality of projections, and a bottom side having a plurality of projections, the top projections forming top side water drainage channels and the bottom projections forming bottom side water drainage channels, the panels having edges, at least one of the panel edges having at least one drainage projection, the drainage projection spacing the abutting panel edges apart, with the resultant spacing of the edges of abutting panels forming a drainage path at the intersection of the abutting panels.

Abstract: An absorbent structure with a sequence of two layers includes at least one liquid absorption layer, a subsequent liquid storage layer with super absorbent polymer particles and super absorbent polymer fibers, and a subsequent liquid distribution layer. The layers are connected and form a sheet structure. The liquid storage layer has its super absorbent polymer extending from the liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer in order to generate a return suction effect for the liquid that has passed through the liquid absorption layer and liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer.

Abstract: Composite face panels for use with structural insulated panels (SIP) are provided to form a suitable replacement for structural insulated panels that employ oriented strand board or plywood. The structural insulated panel has a sandwich structure with a generally planar, insulating core. A composite face panel is disposed on each of the opposed surfaces of the insulating core. The insulating core composition includes an insulating material that is formed of an expanded polystyrene or a rigid polyurethane foam. Each composite face panel includes a core and face sheets on each surface of the core. The core composition includes mixture of a resin binder and a fire retardant. The resin binder can be formed of a methacrylate modified urethane, and the fire retardant can be formed of alumina trihydrate.

Abstract: A turf underlayment layer for supporting an artificial turf assembly includes a plurality of panels assembled together, each panel being made from a plurality of polyolefin beads bonded together, each panel further including a core, a top side having a plurality of projections, and a bottom side having a plurality of projections, the top projections forming top side water drainage channels and the bottom projections forming bottom side water drainage channels, the panels having edges, with the abutment of the edges of adjacent panels defining a water flow connector slot at the intersection of abutting panels, thereby providing a path for the flow of water from the bottom side water drainage channels of one panel to the bottom side water drainage channels of an abutting panel.

Abstract: A porous formed article which comprises an organic polymer resin and an inorganic ion absorbing material, and has communicating pores opening at an outer surface, wherein it has cavities in the interior of a fibril forming a communicating pore, at least a part of said cavities opens at the surface of the fibril, and the inorganic ion absorbing material is carried on the outer surface of said fibril and on the surface of inner cavities.

Abstract: Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material that comprises hygroscopic or deliquescent particles encapsulated in a transparent matrix which may or may not be on a support or substrate, the process for obtaining said material and the use thereof for the manufacturing of devices with controlled variable optical transmission.

Abstract: A method for producing styrene-modified linear low-density polyethylene-based resin particles, which includes the steps of: dispersing 100 parts by weight of non-crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene-based resin particles which are polymerized using a metallocene compound as a catalyst and contain an inorganic nucleating agent, 50 to 800 parts by weight of a styrene-based monomer and 0.1 to 0.9 parts by weight of a polymerization initiator relative to 100 parts by weight of the styrene-based monomer into an aqueous suspension containing a dispersant; impregnating the polyethylene-based resin particles with the styrene-based monomer under heating the resulting dispersion at such a temperature that the styrene-based monomer does not substantially polymerize; and performing polymerization of the styrene-based monomer at a temperature of (T+10) to (T+35)° C. where T° C. is a crystallization peak temperature of the polyethylene-based resin particles.

Abstract: A composite panel useful for efficient and economic construction of a building wall or roof includes at least a first rigid structural layer and a cross-linked polymer film layer bonded to and covering a first major planar surface of the rigid structural panel. The panels integrate sheathing or decking and weatherproofing into an integrated product that may be installed on building frame members in substantially the same way that ordinary sheathing or decking is conventionally installed.

Abstract: Provided are: an electrically insulating resin sheet for motors, which is used for achieving the insulation between coil wires or between a coil wire and an iron core in a motor, and which has high heat resistance, high electrical insulation performance and a high insulation breakdown voltage; and a process for producing the electrically insulating resin sheet. The electrically insulating resin sheet for motors, which is provided with a porous resin layer comprising a thermoplastic resin, is characterized in that the resin sheet has a relative permittivity of 2.0 or less at 1 GHz. It is preferred that the porous resin layer has an average cell diameter of 5.0 ?m or less and contains cells in such an amount that the porosity is 30% or more.

Abstract: Structural damage repair elements including inserts and a structural damage repair kit is provided. The structural damage repair elements typically include two or more layers of materials having an adhesive therebetween that are subsequently compressed together. The structural damage repair kit includes a chemical molding agent, an optional jig, one or more structural damage repair elements and a sealant. Both hollow and solid elongated objects, as well as relatively flat, curved objects may be repaired with the kit. The structural damage repair elements include rods, wafers, and/or adhesive saturated inserts.

Abstract: A ceramic porous sintered body including a plurality of ceramic coarse particles and a polycrystalline sintered body forming a bonding layer. The bonding layer exists between the ceramic coarse particles and connects the ceramic coarse particles. The polycrystalline sintered body includes a plurality of ceramic fine particles having an average particle size smaller than the ceramic coarse particles. The ceramic porous sintered body has an average pore diameter of 5 ?m to 50 ?m. A ratio of an average particle size of the ceramic coarse particle to the ceramic fine particles is 15:1-200:1.

Abstract: Polyolefin dispersions, froths, and foams and articles manufactured therefrom are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for generating a thermoplastic foam from an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may include a thermoplastic resin, water, and a stabilizing agent. The method may include adding at least one frothing surfactant to the aqueous dispersion to form a mixture, adding a flame retardant and/or a phase change material, frothing the mixture to create a froth, and removing at least a portion of the water to produce the foam.

Abstract: A wet suit material includes a heat-reflective layer in combination with an insulative layer. In some embodiments, the heat-reflective layer is a metalized polymer film slitted to facilitate movement. In other embodiments, multiple panels of heat-reflective layer facilitate movement. In other embodiments, a reflective coating is incorporated in a stretchable liner.