Abstract: This invention relates to a general method to surface modify porous membranes with a free radical polymerized polymer coating in a layer which is less than the thickness of the membrane. Another object of this invention relates to a general method to surface modify porous membranes with a free radical polymerized polymer coating to a predetermined and controlled depth from a first facial surface. Another object of this invention is to provide a general method to surface modify porous membranes with a free radical polymerized polymer coating into a pattern on one or both facial surfaces, the pattern maintaining its form to a controlled depth into the membrane. Membrane modification is spatially controlled through the use of a polymerization preventing agent (PPA), which prevents modification from occurring in defined spatially volumes of the membrane. The invention relates to porous membranes surface modified by the methods described.

Abstract: A layered composite material comprises a backing made from a thermoplastic polymer, an intermediate layer arranged thereupon, and a heat-cured layer applied to the intermediate layer, where the bonding material of the intermediate layer is a thermoplastic. The intermediate layer and the backing may be composed of the same thermoplastic. The intermediate layer and the heat-cured layer may also be applied to both sides of the backing. The layered composite material may furthermore comprise a decorative layer between the intermediate layer and the heat-cured layer.

Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, methods of manufacturing the composite webs, and systems for manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions deposited into one or more depressions on a forming tool. The forming tool is maintained at a temperature that is below the melt processing temperature of the thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A balloon for a catheter and a method of making the balloon, having a layer of a porous polymeric material with a modified outer surface and a lubricious coating bonded to the modified outer surface. In one embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a polymer impregnated in the porous polymeric material, and the subsequently applied lubricious coating bonds to the impregnating polymer. In another embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a functionality deposited on the porous polymeric material which bonds to the subsequently applied lubricious coating. The modified outer surface provides an improved strong bond between the lubricious coating and the balloon, for improved catheter performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple foam substrate of predetermined shape and a method of manufacturing the substrate. The substrate is a multiple foam substrate which may be manufactured by the method with a mold having first and second mold cavities. The method includes injecting a first foam into the first mold cavity sufficiently to fill the first mold cavity and storing the first foam in the first mold cavity for a predetermined time sufficient to form a substantially non-mixing surface on the first foam. The method further includes injecting a second foam into the second mold cavity and onto the non-mixing surface on the first foam sufficiently to fill the second mold cavity. The method further includes storing the second foam in the second mold cavity for a predetermined time sufficient to bond the first foam to the second foam along the non-mixing surface.

Abstract: An improved porous article and a method for forming such porous article are provided. A mixture of ceramic or articles and pliable organic hollow spheres is prepared in a liquid typically as a suspension. The article is formed by pressing, slip casting, extruding or injection molding the mixture. The article is dried to remove the liquid, and then is fired so that the particles are bonded such as by sintering, and the organic spheres are eliminated, resulting in a strong porous article having uniformly spaced interconnected voids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelatinous composite article. The article has a first and a second heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material, a first permeable layer, and a control gap. Each of the gelatinous materials is a three-dimensional shape having an upper side, a base side and at least one connecting side. The first connecting side and the second connecting side are adjacent to each other so the first and second materials are essentially side-by-side within the same horizontal plane. The first permeable layer has a top side and a bottom side. The top side attaches to the first and second connecting side. The control gap is interspaced between the bottom side of the first permeable layer. This gap degrades the rigidity between each connecting side and provides an equivalent structural property throughout the article.

Abstract: A magnet receptive medium comprises a sheet having a first surface, a second surface, and an interior between the first surface and the second surface. At least one pathway between at least one of the surfaces and through the interior is formed. Magnetic particles of a predetermined size sufficient to pass through the pathways exist in such pathways. A binding agent may bind the particles to the interior.

Abstract: A cellular foam product is described, wherein the foam includes a polyurethane foam base, having a latex rubber coating on the exterior surface and slightly penetrating the foam interior such that the foam porosity is preferably maintained. The foam has applications in fruit and vegetable sponge drying donuts, the foam allows for uptake of water during fruit drying, while the latex exterior adds to durability. The latex is formulated to include hydrophilic characteristics to aid in water uptake/absorption.

Abstract: A turbine blade has an airfoil section with a root end and a tip end, and an attachment at the root end of the airfoil section. A blade tip seal is joined to the tip end of the airfoil section. The blade tip seal is formed as an open-cell solid aluminum oxide foam made of aluminum oxide cell walls having intracellular volume therebetween. The blade tip seal has a blade interface region adjacent to the tip end of the airfoil section. The blade interface region is formed of the aluminum oxide foam and a nickel-base alloy within the intracellular volume. The blade tip seal also has a contact region remote from the blade interface region and comprising the aluminum foam wherein the intracellular volume is porosity.

Abstract: In order to provide leather with the desired cushioning properties and desirable soft handling properties, especially a grained leather with a grain structure on its upper surface, or a split leather with a surface finish, even if this leather is of minimal thickness, a foam layer is created on the non-visible underside surface of the leather. This foam layer is formed by applying a liquid plastic material containing means to create the foam and is subsequent solidified by removal of the solvent.

Abstract: A laminated product is provided which has no problems concerning hygienic safety or environment accompanying the use of solvent-based adhesives and which has been tenaciously bonded in a degree equal or superior to that attainable with conventional CR solvent-based adhesives. The laminated product is obtained by bonding a porous organic material and a cloth with an adhesive comprising, as major ingredients, a polychloroprene latex which is obtained by polymerizing 100 parts by mass of chloroprene with more than 0 part by mass and less than 2 parts by mass of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid in the presence of from 0.5 to 4 parts by mass of a polyvinyl alcohol and then adding a pH adjustor and a radical scavenger and which has a gel content in the chloroprene polymer of from 10 to 60 mass % and a pH of from 6 to 10, a tackifier resin and a metal oxide.

Abstract: Composites comprising porous polymeric membrane films meeting the following equation: 75 MPa<(longitudinal membrane tensile modulus+transverse membrane tensile modulus)/2, wherein at least a portion of the porosity of the membrane is imbibed with resin and methods for making the same. The composites have unusually high resistance to fracture and catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Composites comprising porous polymeric membrane films meeting the following equation: 75 MPa<(longitudinal membrane tensile modulus+transverse membrane tensile modulus)/2, wherein at least a portion of the porosity of the membrane is imbibed with resin and methods for making the same. The composites have unusually high resistance to fracture and catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Provided is a treated substrate comprising a backing material coated with a resin derived from a curable precursor resin, which comprises an energy-curable component comprising a cyanate ester resin and a curing agent. Also provided is an abrasive article comprising a plurality of abrasive particles incorporated into a bond system, wherein the bond system comprises a make resin derived from a first curable precursor resin, which comprises a first curable component comprising a cyanate ester resin and a first curing agent, and wherein the bond system additionally comprises a size resin derived from a second curable precursor resin, which comprises a second curable component comprising a cyanate ester resin and a second curing agent. Also provided are methods of making a treated substrate and an abrasive article.

Abstract: A molded article having a curved surface is formed from a heat curable reactive thermoset polymer resin powder containing an integrally formed insert bonded therein. The integrally formed insert may be threaded for subsequent attachment of the molded article to a frame or structure. The insert is partially surrounded by a boss with supporting features to ensure that the insert is orthogonally supported.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods are taught relating to temperature stabilizing saddle pads, horse blankets, saddle girths, saddle seat cushions, and saddles for protection and increased performance of horses and/or riders, among other similar products. The invention provides for products that stabilize the temperature of the horse and/or the rider by absorbing heat generated by the body of the horse and/or rider when the temperature exceeds a preset temperature appropriate for the product. In this process heat energy is absorbed through phase change, resulting in a constant temperature as long as there is material that has not changed phase.

Abstract: An absorbent article containing a composite mixture of absorbent macroporous particles and binder particles. Preferably, the absorbent macroporous particles are those having a macroporous structure which allow for the rapid flow of liquid therein, e.g., aerogels, xerogels, cryogels, or mixtures thereof. The absorbent articles produced thereby are preferably thin and lightweight, but maintain an ample rate of absorption allowing for a more rapid uptake of higher volumes of liquids.

Abstract: A surface-reinforced article includes a core assembly (12) comprising a foam core (20) with a surface region (22) that includes fine inner fibrous material intimately surround by foam that is integral with foam of the core, and an outer reinforcing covering (14) which includes an outer layer (32) of fibrous material and a resin (30) surrounding the outer layer of fibrous material and covering the primarily foam core assembly. The fine inner fibrous material (91-94) includes coupling fibers (100) with inner ends (102) embedded in the foam and outer ends (106) embedded in the resin, to better hold the resin to the foam. The primarily foam core assembly is molded within a first mold cavity (64) formed between spacers (60, 62) that lie within a second mold cavity (50).

Abstract: A turbomachine component includes a silicon nitride substrate and a protective coating on the substrate. The protective coating includes a porous silicon nitride matrix and a noble metal infiltrated in the porous silicon nitride matrix.

Abstract: A honeycomb core material which is excellent in flame retardation, thermal insulation and noise insulation and has improved transportability and handling efficiency and which can be suitably used also for a sandwich structure of a curved shape as a foam has flexibility and elasticity, and a method for its production. A composite foam comprising a phosphoric acid type inorganic foam and a urethane type organic foam, obtained by foaming and curing an aqueous mixture containing a phosphorus-containing acid material, a curing agent, a blowing agent and a urethane polymer having NCO groups, is filled in cells of a honeycomb body having a cell size of from 3 to 100 mm and a porosity of from 92 to 99.5% according to JIS-A6931.

Abstract: A flexure endurant composition of an elastomer reinforced with a continuous phase of microporous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a ratio of elastomer to PTFE of approximately 1:1 to 50:1 on a volume basis. The composite is prepared by a coating process and the final articles are prepared by molding or vulcanizing. Such materials can be used to fabricate pump tubing, pump diaphragms, gaskets, bellows and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A method for sealing graphite plates formed from mechanically processed graphite sheets of exfoliated graphite particles is provided. The graphites sheets are infused with a sealant to fill about 90 volume percent of the pores contained in the sheet. Upon curing the sealant, a substantially gas impermeable graphite plate is provides. Such a plate is useful in fuel cell construction.

Abstract: A transparent and flexible composite membrane produced from two immiscible polymers. The first polymer is a polymeric fibrous network with interconnecting pores. The second polymer is an elastomer with a refractive index matching the first polymer. The resultant composite membrane is a transparent interpenetrated network of polymers with an altered molecular structure, and mechanical strength superior to the parent polymers. A method of producing the new composite membrane involves dissolving the elastomer in a suitable solvent to form a diluted elastomeric solution, impregnating the polymeric membrane with the elastomer by adding the diluted elastomeric solution to the membrane to form a wet composite membrane, and then drying the wet composite membrane to form an interpenetrated membrane.

Abstract: A phase-separation member comprises a porous substrate (11) containing void spaces, a microporous polymer material (14) which at least partially impregnates the porous substrate by entering into the void spaces, and a layer of a fluoropolymer applied to the outer face of the coagulated polymer material so that the layer (16) of fluoropolymer material remains predominantly at the surface.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a carbon-based metal composite material comprising a carbonaceous matrix and a metal component dispersed in said carbonaceous matrix, wherein at least 90 volume percent of the pores of the carbonaceous matrix is substituted with said metal component, and the content of said metal component is 35% or less based on the total volume of said carbon-based metal composite material; a method of producing a carbon-based metal composite material wherein impregnation of the carbon formed body with molten metal under pressure is carried out by pre-heating said carbon formed body and then impregnating the open pores of the carbon formed body with molten metal under a pressure of at least 200 kg/cm2 of the cross-sectional area of the plunger; and a substrate-shaped formed body for an electronic component comprising a carbon-based metal composite material.

Abstract: A turbine blade or turbine vane includes a metallic nonfoam region, and a ceramic foam region joined to the metallic region. The ceramic foam region is an open-cell solid ceramic foam made of ceramic cell walls having an intracellular volume therebetween. The ceramic is preferably alumina. The intracellular volume may be empty porosity, or an intracellular metal such as an intracellular nickel-base superalloy.

Abstract: A compound material including fibers which are embedded in a thermoplastic matrix has a free surface to be treated. The material has one or more capillary spaces extending between the fibers, which spaces are at least partly formed by communicating pores and which are open towards the free surface. An average diameter of the pores is greater than, equal to or not substantially less than the fiber diameter.

Abstract: A composition veneer that is extremely flexible, foldable and moldable, is provided by impregnating a wood veneer with a plastic film. The veneer has a smooth protective polymer surface without separate and distinguishable layers. As a result, the composition veneers of this invention exhibit moldability and shapeability properties similar to plastic sheeting, but contain natural wood and have the appearance of natural wood.

Abstract: A laundry sheet is disclosed which is a substrate having a laundry detergent applied thereto. The laundry detergent readily solubilizes off of the substrate sheet during the washing process to provide a total laundering process that cleans and softens. Also disclosed are several laundry detergent formulations which are preferably applied onto the substrate to make the laundry sheet of the present invention and a process for making the laundry sheet.

Abstract: A breathable multilayer film having a breathable core layer and at least one skin layer is disclosed. The core layer prepared by from a mixture containing a thermoplastic polymer and a particulate filler and the skin layer or layers are prepared from a mixture of at least two incompatible polymers and a polymer which compatiblizes the incompatible polymers. The addition of the compatiblizer in the skin layer improves the film forming consistency. In addition, the core layer contains voids around the particulate filler and the skin layer or layer has cracks or voids, which provides breathability to the multilayer film. Stretching of the film after the layers are coextruded together forms the voids and/or cracks.

Abstract: A treated thin film that reduces the intrusions or migrations of photolithography materials is achieved by introducing a sol-gel layer onto a porous thin film prior to applying the photolithography/photoresist material layer. Curing the sol-gel layer results in the sol-gel layer merging or unifying with the underlying porous thin film layer so that the combined sol-gel/thin film layer exhibits substantially the same properties as the untreated porous thin film layer before the sol-gel was applied. As a result, a greater etching accuracy is achieved.

Abstract: A composite foam material formed of combined foam that is combined on a mechanical level to obtain hybrid properties.

Abstract: A composite structure (12) that includes a first layer that includes a membrane (16) having a first melting point and a plurality of structural elements and a second layer that includes a thermoplastic material (32) having a second melting point that is lower than the first melting point, wherein at least a portion of the thermoplastic material (34) is at least one partially melted to flow around at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements of the membrane (16) prior to resolidification to attach the first layer (16) to the second layer (32). The membrane (16) can be oleophobic or oleophilic and preferably includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The thermoplastic material (32) can be of virtually any type and can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic.

Abstract: An absorbent article containing a composite mixture of absorbent macroporous particles and binder particles. Preferably, the absorbent macroporous particles are those having a macroporous structure which allow for the rapid flow of liquid therein, e.g., aerogels, xerogels, cryogels, or mixtures thereof. The absorbent articles produced thereby are preferably thin and lightweight, but maintain an ample rate of absorption allowing for a more rapid uptake of higher volumes of liquids.

Abstract: A foam composite made up of a scaffold of a substantially hydrophobic foam material having plurality of surfaces defining a plurality of pores, and a coating of a substantially hydrophilic foam material disposed upon the surfaces of the hydrophobic foam. The resulting foam composite exhibits structural characteristics of the hydrophobic foam and absorbency characteristics of the hydrophilic foam.

Abstract: An integral composite membrane comprised of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene having a morphological structure comprising a microstructure of very highly elongated nodes interconnected by fibrils is imbibed with ionomer. This composite membrane shows a surprising increase in hardness and thereby reduces electrical shorting and improves fuel cell performance and durabiity.

Abstract: An aqueous coating formulation for use in preparing ink jet recording materials is provided. The coating formulation, which employs porous pigments and/or metal oxide gels in combination with inorganic pigments (i.e., calcium carbonate and mixtures of calcium carbonate and alumina), has a relatively high binder-to-pigment dry weight ratio. An ink jet recording material prepared using such an aqueous coating formulation is also provided. The ink jet recording material demonstrates good printability and provides images having excellent water and humidity resistance and high image densities. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive recording material further demonstrates good light or fade resistance.

Abstract: A filter having two zones, the first zone having a low electrical conductivity and the second zone having a high electrical conductivity at electrode attachment zones due to infiltration of metal within the second zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coated polyester film consisting of a polyester film having opacity as shown by an optical density of not less than 0.3, and a coating layer formed on at least one surface of this polyester film, wherein a surface of this coating layer shows a 60-degree specular glossiness G1 and a 75-degree specular glossiness G2, that satisfy the following formulas (1) and (2): G1≦20  (1) 1<G2/G1≦4  (2).

Abstract: A process for transferring a decorative sublimation dye design formed on a transfer sheet to a continuous laminate by applying a sheet of cellulose web material impregnated with a thermosetting resin to a surface of a backer sheet to form a pre-laminate. A release sheet is applied to the exposed surface of the sheet of cellulose web material. The transfer sheet bearing the decorative sublimation dye design is applied to the exposed surface of the release sheet. Heat and pressure are applied to the pre-laminate layered with the release and transfer sheets, causing the cellulose web material to seep into the pores of the backer sheet to form a thermofused continuous laminate, and causing the design on the transfer sheet penetrates the thermofused continuous laminate through a sublimation process. The release and transfer sheets are then separated from the thermofused continuous laminate showing the transferred design.

Abstract: An electroluminescent system in which neighboring layers are suspended, prior to application, in advantageously a unitary carrier compound, so that after curing, the layers form active strata within a monolithic mass. The carrier compound in a preferred embodiment is a vinyl resin in gel form. The invention enables several manufacturing advantages, including the ability to screen print the entire electroluminescent system on a variety of porous or fibrous substrates.

Abstract: A resin composition for a sliding member of the present invention comprises 5 to 40% by weight of barium sulfate; 1 to 30% by weight of a phosphate; 1 to 10% by weight of at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyimide resin, a phenol resin-calcined product and a polyphenylene sulfone resin; and the balance of a polytetrafluoroethylene resin, and a sliding member produced from the resin composition. Such a resin composition suitable for producing a sliding member capable of exhibiting a stable low friction coefficient and an extremely low wear amount under dry frictional condition, or under oil-immersed or oil-lubricated condition.

Abstract: A material provided for sealing leaks in water conveyance systems includes a porous hydrophilic rubber impregnated with a water reactive polyurethane resin. When the material comes into contact with water, the rubber and polyurethane swell and this results in increased adhesion and improved sealing.

Abstract: A homopolymer or copolymer useful for inhibiting the migration of pigmented inks in porous inkjet receptor media is disclosed. The copolymer is comprised of at least two different hydrophilic monomers, each of whose homopolymers are hydrophilic yet the resulting copolymer from the different hydrophilic monomers is sparingly soluble in water. Methods of making and using such copolymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A waterproof, moisture permeable composite film from 7 to 300 &mgr;m in thickness and comprising a porous hydrophobic film having a coating layer of a hydrophilic resin produced on one face thereof; wherein said hydrophilic resin coating layer is a thin film having depth such that when an electron microscopic image of the surface of said hydrophilic resin coating layer taken at 10,000× magnification with an electron microscope is viewed with the naked eye, the contours of said porous hydrophobic film matrix are visible through said hydrophilic resin coating layer over at least a portion of said hydrophilic resin coating layer; and wherein pores present on the surface of said porous film on the side thereof having the coating layer are infiltrated by hydrophilic resin continuous with said coating layer, while the surface of said porous film on the side thereof devoid of coating layer is not infiltrated by said hydrophilic resin and retains a porous structure, such that the composite film has water vapor

Abstract: A molding press for simultaneously molding a product and laminating a pattern layer to the surface of the molded product comprising a bottom mold plate, a top mold plate, a mold ring element surrounding the mold plates and moveable independently of the top and bottom mold plates, an upper surface on said mold ring for engaging a peripheral edge of the top mold plate, and a flat groove in said mold ring upper surface which is slightly deeper than the thickness of a pattern layer to be laminated to the top surface of the final molded product.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) sponge. More specifically, a PVA sponge according to the present invention has certain improved physical characteristics, such as uniform pore size, a microscopically rough surface, and/or a neutral surface charge. Certain characteristics may be achieved by a variety of methods in which pore-forming chemicals are dissolved into a PVA solution, so that no solid residues remain in the pores of a PVA sponge after production. Neutral surface charge of a PVA sponge may be achieved by adding a charge modifying agent during the sponge making process.

Abstract: A composite electronic and/or optical substrate including polymeric and ceramic material wherein the composite substrate has a dielectric constant less than 4 and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 8 to 14 ppm/°C. at 100° C. The composite substrate may be either ceramic-filled polymeric material or polymer-filled ceramic material.