Abstract: Methods of forming a lightweight reinforced thermoplastic core layer and articles including the core layer are described. In some examples, the methods use a combination of thermoplastic material, reinforcing fibers and bicomponent fibers to enhance retention of lofting agents in the core layer. The processes permit the use of less material while still providing sufficient lofting capacity in the final formed core layer.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: Resin permeation of a dry preform having one or more reinforcement plies is locally influenced during resin infusion using a selectively permeable veil applied to at least one of the reinforcement plies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.

Abstract: Filter media, including those suitable for hydraulic applications, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided. The filter media described herein may include two or more layers, at least one of the layers having a relatively high percentage of microglass fibers. Additionally, the filter media may be designed such that the ratio of average fiber diameters between two layers is relatively small, which can lead to a relatively low resistance ratio between the layers. In some embodiments, at least one layer of the filter media comprises synthetic polymer fibers. Certain filter media described herein may have desirable properties including high dirt holding capacity and a low resistance to fluid flow. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products including hydraulic filters.

Abstract: Filter media, including those suitable for hydraulic applications, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided. The filter media described herein may include two or more layers, at least one of the layers having a relatively high percentage of microglass fibers. Additionally, the filter media may be designed such that the ratio of average fiber diameters between two layers is relatively small, which can lead to a relatively low resistance ratio between the layers. The filter media has desirable properties including high dirt holding capacity with low basis weight and a low resistance to fluid flow. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products including hydraulic filters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a plurality of fibers from (e.g., CVD) precursors, including a reactor adapted to grow a plurality of individual fibers; and a plurality of independently controllable lasers, each laser of the plurality of lasers growing a respective fiber. A high performance fiber (HPF) structure, including a plurality of fibers arranged in the structure; a matrix disposed between the fibers; wherein a multilayer coating is provided along the surfaces of at least some of the fibers with an inner layer region having a sheet-like strength; and an outer layer region, having a particle-like strength, such that any cracks propagating toward the outer layer from the matrix propagate along the outer layer and back into the matrix, thereby preventing the cracks from approaching the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous sheet and a method for manufacturing the porous sheet. A porous sheet including a fine-fiber web layer and a support layer and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, and it is possible to implement a porous sheet with sufficient strength and thickness to be used in peeling and laminating processes of a multilayer ceramic capacitor.

Abstract: A method for creating a superhydrophobic coated nanoporous assembly includes the steps of: providing a nanoporous assembly formed of discrete and/or continuous structures that provide a morphology defining pores of less than 1 micron between neighboring discrete and continuous structures; bringing gaseous plasma precursors in the presence of the nanoporous assembly and in the presence of a plasma generator; employing the plasma generator to convert the gaseous plasma precursors to the plasma state; and permitting the plasma precursors to deposit as a coating on the nanoporous assembly through plasma polymerization techniques the deposition thereof preserving the porous structure of the nanoporous assembly, the deposited coating exhibiting a surface energy of less than 30 dynes/cm.

Abstract: A hot-press cushion material is a complex comprising paper formed of a fiber material and a rubber impregnated in the paper, and the volume ratio between the fiber material and the rubber is within a range of 1/1.5 to 1/7.5, and the void ratio in the complex is within a range of 60 to 90%.

Abstract: A pressurised steam moulded multilayer lining for heat and sound insulation comprising a first layer forming a reinforcement layer made of a blended web of polyamide matrix material in the form of powder or fibres or flakes and reinforcement fibres, and at least a second layer chosen from an open cell foam layer, or a heat reflecting layer, or a second reinforcement layer made of a blended web of polyamide matrix material in the form of powder or fibres or flakes and reinforcement fibres, and whereby due to the pressurized steam moulding, all layers are laminated together and all available blended webs are consolidated to form porous reinforcement layers

Abstract: Provided are spunbond polyester mats using an improved curable composition. Such curable composition comprises the reaction product of an aldehyde or ketone and an amine salt of an inorganic acid. The composition when applied to spunbond polyester continuous filaments is cured to form a water-insoluble polymer binder which exhibits good adhesion and thermodimensional stability.

Abstract: The porous metal foil of the present invention comprises a two-dimensional network structure composed of a metal fiber. This porous metal foil has a first side having a higher glossiness; and a second side having a lower glossiness located on the opposite side of the first side. The ratio of glossiness GS of the first side to glossiness GM of the second side, GS/GM, as measured at incident and reflection angles of 60 degrees in accordance with JIS Z 8741 (1997) is from 1 to 15. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a highly useful porous metal foil which has a reduced difference in properties between the both sides in addition to superior properties derived from a porous metal foil, in a highly productive and cost effective manner that is suited for continuous production.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding and sealing material 2 set between a catalyst carrier 1 and a shell 95 which covering the outside of the catalyst carrier 1 in a catalytic converter for purifying an exhaust gas and manufacturing method thereof. An organic binder 22 on the holding and sealing material 2 has the glass transition point Tg (° c) of less than or equal to approximately 5° C. In addition, an infiltrating step and a drying step are conducted during the manufacturing. In the infiltrating step, the mat-like material is infiltrated with emulsion containing the organic binder. In the drying step, the mat-like material containing the emulsion is dried.

Abstract: An engineered composite building material, such as fiber cement, having one or more engineered sub-surface regions designed to provide the building material with improved moisture ingress resistance, paint adhesion, and other mechanical properties is provided. The sub-surface region has a cement-polymer matrix formed by introducing an impregnating agent into the pores of the substrate. The composite building material may be formed by applying impregnating agents to the subsurface regions of the substrate to form chemical and/or mechanical bonds with the matrix of the building material, the reinforcement fibers, and/or the surface coatings applied to the material. The thickness of the sub-surface regions may be controlled by varying the viscosity and porosity of the building material substrate. The cement-polymer building material has enhanced durability, weather resistance, strength, and stiffness.

Abstract: A friction material includes a resin and a fibrous base material impregnated with the resin. The fibrous base material has a single ply, and includes a plurality of aramid fibers present in a first amount, a plurality of polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers present in a second amount that is less than the first amount, and diatomaceous earth present in a third amount that is greater than the first amount. The fibrous base material is substantially free from activated carbon. A friction member for operatively contacting a lubricated surface includes a substrate and a friction material. The friction material defines a first surface bonded to the substrate and a second surface configured for operatively contacting the lubricated surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing porosity in a composite structure. A first layer of composite material may be applied over a surface. A venting layer may be applied over the first layer of composite material. A second layer of composite material may be applied over the venting layer. The first layer of composite material, the venting layer, and the second layer of composite material may form a composite layup for the composite structure.

Abstract: A hot press cushioning pad 1 has a fiber-rubber composite material layer formed by a woven fabric and a rubber impregnated in the woven fabric. The warp of the woven fabric is a doubled and twisted yarn, and the weft thereof is a texturized yarn made of glass fibers. The fiber-rubber composite material layer has voids inside.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressboard comprising a plurality of plies having thermostable floc and at least 40 weight percent aramid fibrids, the pressboard having a final average thickness of 0.9 mm or greater, the pressboard further having an a void content of 25 volume percent or less and a ply adhesion (Y) in megapascals defined by the equation Y>2.97(X)(?0.25) wherein (X) is the thickness of the pressboard in millimeters; the pressboard can have a compressibility of 1.6 percent or less and compression set of 0.18 percent or less.

Abstract: Fibers having a plurality of colored regions printed on front and rear sides of said fiber are disclosed, wherein the colors are visible only under ultra-violet light. The regions may be in the form of stripes or may be arranged in a pseudo-random pattern. The regions may be differently colored. Such fibers can be incorporated into paper products as a form of counterfeit protection.

Abstract: A composite material able to dissipate the kinetic energy of a moving object comprising a layer of ballistic material bonded to a layer of porous matrix material which is impregnated with shear thickening fluid.

Abstract: A sheet-like fiber structure including a plurality of fibers made of amorphous silicon dioxide. The plurality of fibers are intertwined with each other and thus connected to each other, thereby forming void portions. Consequently, the sheet-like fiber structure has not only liquid permeability and voltage resistance but also high heat resistance and chemical resistance. The sheet-like fiber structure is therefore applicable to a separator for preventing a short circuit between electrodes, a scaffold for cell culture, to holding a biomolecule, or the like.

Abstract: A refractory, porous ceramic composite including crystalline mullite (3Al2O3+2SiO2 or 3Al6Si2O11) and a crystalline phase of LaPO4 is formed from a mullite-LaPO4 sol-gel by annealing the dried gel. During the annealing process, particle sintering and self-foaming occur in the glassy state, and pores are produced due at least in part to the release of entrapped gases that form during the pyrolysis of the gel. The resulting crystalline composite, or crystalline nanocomposite, has a high porosity and is dimensionally and chemically stable at high temperatures. The composite also has a high degree of structural (e.g., mechanical) stability, related at least in part to the fine texturing and mixing of the mullite and LaPO4 during preparation of the sol. The resulting ceramic composite shows little or no shrinkage or expansion between about 1000C and about 1200° C.

Abstract: A graphene/carbon nanotube composite structure includes a carbon nanotube film structure and a graphene film. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a number of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes form micropores. The graphene film is located on a surface of the carbon nanotube film structure. The graphene film covers the micropores.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, including a porous membrane including ceramic fibers crisscrossed in a network and pores formed by the ceramic fibers coalesced at intersection points, and a proton conductive polymer inside the pores.

Abstract: Laminate containing a first layer and a second layer attached to the first layer, said second layer comprising high tenacity yarns, characterized in that the first layer is made out of a material selected out of the group consisting of a metal, a plywood, a solid thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, and a composite material containing carbon fibers and/or glass fibers, and the high tenacity yarns have a tenacity of at least 0.5 GPa and are positioned in a grid structure. The laminate is damage resistance and is suitably used for the manufacture of air freight containers.

Abstract: Fibers (2, 14) having a plurality of colored regions printed on front and rear sides of said fiber are disclosed, wherein the colors are visible only under ultra-violet light. The regions may be in the form of stripes (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) or may be arranged is a pseudo-random pattern (16, 18, 20, 22, 24). The regions may be differently colored. Such fibers can be incorporated into paper products as a form of counterfeit protection.

Abstract: A fibrous ceramic material including a plurality of fibers entangled with one another. The fibrous ceramic material includes at least one connector projecting between the fibers. At least a portion of the fibers have the connectors extending between and attach the fibers to one another. A method of manufacturing the fibrous ceramic material includes providing a precursor material having a plurality of fibers. A holder is provided for holding the precursor material. The precursor material is placed on the holder and both are heated to between about 1500 degrees Celsius and about 1700 degrees Celsius to form the fibrous ceramic material, thereby causing connectors to project from a portion of the fibers and attach the fibers to one another.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing silicone foams that maintains the original air permeable cell structure of an air permeable material including polyester by curing the air permeable material after coating the air permeable material with a silicone solution including a curing agent.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube film structure includes at least two overlapped carbon nanotube films, with adjoining films being aligned in different directions. Each carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of successive carbon nanotube bundles aligned in the same direction. The carbon nanotube structure further includes a plurality of micropores formed by/between the adjoining carbon nanotube bundles. A method for fabricating the carbon nanotube film structure includes the steps of: (a) providing an array of carbon nanotubes; (b) pulling out, using a tool, one carbon nanotube film from the array of carbon nanotubes; (c) providing a frame and adhering the carbon nanotube film to the frame; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c), depositing each successive film on a preceding film, thereby achieving at least a two-layer carbon nanotube film; and (e) peeling the carbon nanotube film off the frame to achieve the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: Provided is a transparent carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode comprising a net-like (i.e., net-shaped) CNT thin film and a method for preparing the same. More specifically, a transparent CNT electrode comprises a transparent substrate and a net-shaped CNT thin film formed on the transparent substrate, and a method for preparing a transparent CNT electrode, comprising forming a thin film using particulate materials and CNTs, and then removing the particulate materials to form a net-shaped CNT thin film. The transparent CNT electrode exhibits excellent electrical conductivity while maintaining high light transmittance. Therefore, the transparent CNT electrode can be widely used to fabricate a variety of electronic devices, including image sensors, solar cells, liquid crystal displays, organic electroluminescence (EL) displays, and touch screen panels, that have need of electrodes possessing both light transmission properties and conductive properties.

Abstract: A refractory metal composite article includes a refractory metal ceramic section and a refractory metal ceramic coating disposed directly adjacent to the refractory metal ceramic section. The refractory metal ceramic section and the refractory metal ceramic coating form a composite porous matrix. Each of the refractory metal ceramic section and the refractory metal ceramic coating includes at least one of a refractory metal carbide, a refractory metal silicide, or a refractory metal boride. A solid filler is disposed within pores of the composite porous matrix, and the solid filler is selected from a polymer material, a ceramic material, a metallic material, a glass material, and a glass ceramic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative panel having a composite structure bonded by an elastomeric cementitious coating. The cementitious coating bonds together a foam core and glass fiber mesh to form a highly durable and lightweight decorative panel. The panel can further include a finish coat of a substantially maintenance free pigmented coating. The panel may be attachment to the exterior surface of barriers and bridges. The lightweight construction of the panel adds little weight to the structure it adorns while matching or exceeding the wear characteristics of the attached structure.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides medical devices 10 that each include a plurality of fibers 22, substantially all of the plurality of fibers 22 each including a portion having a maximum diameter of at least five micrometers, wherein substantially all of fibers 22 form a layer on at least one external surface of medical device 10. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing medical devices 10, the methods including the steps of: (a) applying a layer comprising a plurality of fibers 22 to at least one surface of medical device 10; and (b) matching the value of the Young's modulus of the layer to +/?35% (in some embodiments to +/?20%) of the value of the Young's modulus of an animal tissue.

Abstract: There are provided a foamed molded article formed of a resin composition comprising a reinforcing fiber and a resin component, wherein the reinforcing fiber comprises a surface-treated fiber (A) comprising a base fiber (A-I) composed of a polyalkylene terephthalate and/or a polyalkylene naphthalene dicarboxylate and from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the base fiber (A-I), of a sizing agent (A-II) adhering to the surface of the base fiber (A-1), and the resin component comprises a modified polyolefin resin (B) which is a polyolefin resin modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative, wherein the foamed molded article has an expansion ratio of 1.3 to 5, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water-tight and water vapor-permeable membrane consisting of at least one membrane foil, whereby two membrane foils (21, 22) are provided, between which nanofibers (23) are positioned.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane capable of achieving both a high collection efficiency and a low pressure drop, though it has a larger average pore size and a greater thickness than conventional porous PTFE membranes. This manufacturing method includes: stretching an unsintered polytetrafluoroethylene sheet by a factor of 5 to 30 in a predetermined direction at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of polytetrafluoroethylene; further stretching the stretched sheet by a factor of 5 to 40 in a direction different from the predetermined direction at a temperature lower than the melting point; and after the stretchings, heating the stretched sheet at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point.

Abstract: Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers.

Abstract: A refractory metal composite article includes a refractory metal ceramic section and a refractory metal ceramic coating disposed directly adjacent to the refractory metal ceramic section. The refractory metal ceramic section and the refractory metal ceramic coating form a composite porous matrix. Each of the refractory metal ceramic section and the refractory metal ceramic coating includes at least one of a refractory metal carbide, a refractory metal silicide, or a refractory metal boride. A solid filler is disposed within pores of the composite porous matrix, and the solid filler is selected from a polymer material, a ceramic material, a metallic material, a glass material, and a glass ceramic material.

Abstract: A flexible seal for use in a solid oxide fuel cell stack is formed from a fiber matrix with a plurality of solid particles through tape casting method. The fibers and particles are preferably ceramic and may be formed from alumina or zirconia. The seal may be formed by forming a slurry of fibers, particles, a binder and a non-aqueous solvent, tape casting the slurry, drying the tape seal, die-cutting, prior to installation in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE tubular structure having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure is formed from rotating the opposite ends relative to one another in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure has a node and fibril micro-structure in which substantially all of the fibrils are oriented in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A porous facing material comprises a nonwoven web containing interfused thermoplastic elastomeric fibers. The interfused thermoplastic elastomeric fibers comprise a blend of at least two thermoplastic elastomers of a different tensile modulus. The nonwoven web has a basis weight in a range of from 100 to 1500 grams per square meter and a thickness of from 0.2 to 3.5 millimeters, and is abrasion resistant. Acoustically attenuating composites, which have an airflow resistance of from 100 to 10000 mks rayls, and which include a porous facing material secured to a porous backing, are also disclosed. Methods of making and using the foregoing articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hydrocolloid-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions for medical use are disclosed which contain networks of fibrillated polymeric fibers that have surface areas of at least 4 square meters per gram and which have superior properties of low cold flow and high cohesive strength.

Abstract: An electrode substrate is disclosed that includes a plane and a through-plane direction. First and second carbon fibers are respectively arranged in the plane and through-plane direction. The substrate includes a thickness in the through-plane direction and the second fiber has a length less than the thickness. The first carbon fiber has a length greater than the thickness. In one example method of manufacturing the example substrate, PAN-based carbon fibers are blended with meso-phase pitch-based carbon fibers. A resin is applied to a non-woven felt constructed from the carbon fibers. The felt and resin are heated to a desired temperature to achieve a desired through-plane thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A method of processing a composite material comprising heating a porous layer in contact with the composite material above its melting point whereby it melts and becomes incorporated into the composite material. The material may be formed by a matrix diffusion process. In this case the porous layer acts as a distribution layer. Alternatively the material may be formed as a stack of prepregs. In this case the porous layer acts as a breather layer. The porous layer may comprise a polysulphone or polyethersulphone which increases the toughness of the material.

Abstract: A thin film composite membrane comprises a core layer and a sheath UV-crosslinked polymer layer. The thin film composite membrane is produced by the co-extrusion of two polymer solutions. The core layer and the sheath layer can be separately optimized. The sheath layer may be UV-crosslinked to provide stability and selectivity at the desired operating temperature of the composite membrane.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE structure which has a node and fibril micro-structure. The micro-structure includes specific nodes which are connected to the fibrils. One or more of the specific nodes are sintered and the fibrils are un-sintered. A method for making the ePTFE structure includes identifying and sintering one or more of the specific nodes.