Abstract: A enhanced abradable friable graded insulator FGI results from the laser patterning of a coating where a series of top surfaces reside on a series of columns such that the walls of the columns are not significantly densified relative to the interior of the columns. Patterns can be generated where the columns are oriented independently normal to or at an acute angle to the top surfaces. The cross sections of the top surfaces are formed to conform to the average dimensions of the spheres of the FGI coating. The cross sections of the top surfaces can be more than 1.5 times the diameter of the spheres. Various patterns of top surfaces can be used including regular, random, quasiperiodic patterns. A gradient of abradability can be imposed on the coating.

Abstract: Light weight composites with high flexural strength comprise epoxy foam sandwiched between two layers of facing material have high strength and low weight and can be used to replace steel structures. The facing layer may be fibrous material especially glass or carbon fibres, the facing material is preferably embedded into the epoxy matrix. Alternatively they may be matching box structures or concentric metal tubes. The sandwich structures may be prepared by laying up the fibre; coating and/or impregnating the layer with epoxy resin, laying a layer of heat activatable foamable epoxy material, providing a further layer of the fibrous material optionally coated and/or impregnated with epoxy resin on the foamable material and heating to foam and cure the epoxy materials. Alternatively they may be formed by extrustion of the foamable material between the surface layers.

Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous structure comprising compressed sites and molded elements. The combination of compressed sites and molded elements may provide for a fibrous structure comprising structural integrity in use, dispersability when flushed, and assistance to the user in cleansing.

Abstract: A heat insulating article comprises a first outer polymeric layer and a second outer polymeric layer. At least one of the first outer polymeric layer and the second outer polymeric layer further comprises hollow spherical particles incorporated with the at least one of the first outer polymeric layer and the second outer polymeric layer.

Abstract: A double-sided adhesive tape (24) and a method for fixing a sealing element (10) in place, preferably in motor vehicles, has a sealing body (12) made from silicone, to which a first self-adhesive sticking surface (18) of a double-sided adhesive tape (24) is applied which is formed at least partly of a silicone glue. The double-sided adhesive tape (24) is provided with a second self-adhesive sticking surface (20) for fixing to the site of application.

Abstract: The pore forming material for a porous body of the present invention comprises organic polymer particles and inorganic particles. As the embodiment thereof, there may be mentioned one having a structure in which the inorganic particles are contained in the organic polymer particles, and an aggregate body of the organic polymer particles and the inorganic particles. The inorganic particles may be inorganic micro-balloons, and the organic polymer particles may be organic micro-balloons.

Abstract: A pore forming material for a porous body includes organic polymer particles and inorganic particles.

Abstract: A composite material with high resistance to impact energy, including expanded beads of polypropylene, dispersed in a resin chosen among melamine resin, phenolic resin and polyurethane resin and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Functionalized substrates, comprising microcapsules, are an effective means of dosing perfume or other actives to fabric during the laundering process.

Abstract: An optical film including a support and a layer provided by applying a coating composition as an outermost layer, wherein the coating composition contains a fluorine-containing compound having a fluorine content of 40% by weight or more, and a particle having a particle size of from 5 to 120 nm, and the outermost layer has a refractive index of from 1.20 to 1.38.

Abstract: Production of hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles includes baking and carbonization of polymer particles having a specified volume after deformation. A metal-deposited carbon fiber with metal deposited inside and/or outside the hollow carbon fiber is applicable to electron discharge devices. The thickness and crystallinity of the graphite layer can be freely controlled. Since almost no by-product is generated, separation and refining using a solvent is not required. A hollow carbon particle of desired shape can be produced at a high yield rate. The hollow carbon fiber represented by a carbon nano-tube can be controlled in such a way that a low resistance and uniform shape are provided so that there is an increase in the amount of electrons discharged from the hollow carbon fiber. Use of this hollow carbon fiber as an electron discharge source provides an excellent electron discharge device characterized by stable pixels.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a porous membrane having a high strength and excellent water permeability and rejection properties. The porous membrane of the present invention has both a three-dimensional network structure and a spherical structure. The porous membrane of the present invention is suitably used for water treatment membranes, battery separators, charged membranes, fuel cells, blood purification membranes, and the like.

Abstract: An artificial stone material having an improved natural stone appearance and texture is prepared from thermosetting resin, curing agent, microspheres and additives. The resin and curing agent are thoroughly mixed to form a catalyzed resin mixture. The microspheres are added to the catalyzed resin mixture and mixed to a viscosity of about 950×106 to about 1590×106 to form a catalyzed base material. The additives are worked into the catalyzed base material to provide a catalyzed stone mixture having a desired natural stone appearance. The catalyzed stone mixture is molded or applied to a surface at the point of use and allowed to cure to form the artificial stone material.

Abstract: The combination of ingredients, especially for use in the formulation of a one or two-pack retroreflective ink, comprising retroreflective elements, microbeads additional to said retroreflective elements and/or constituting said retroreflective elements at least in part, binder chemicals for attaching the retroreflective elements and microbeads to a substrate to which the ink is to be applied, and a coupling agent for coupling the microbeads and cross-linking the binder chemicals, the coupling agent being unreactive until the printing process is carried out.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an process for image formation using an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet having excellent anti-offset properties, adhesion resistance, paper transport properties and gloss, and being resistant to cracks, and able to form a high-definition image. For this purpose, there is provided an electrophotographic image-receiving sheet which includes a toner image-receiving layer containing at least a thermoplastic resin and natural wax having an light transmittance of 78% or less, on a support having an light transmittance of 30% or less, and an process for image formation using this electrophotographic image-receiving sheet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a honeycomb structure which can be used as a filter for trapping/collecting particulates included in an exhaust gas and in which it is possible to remove ashes deposited inside without requiring any special mechanism or apparatus or without being detached from the exhaust system. The structure comprises a plurality of through channels 9 extending to an axial direction of a honeycomb structure, porous partition walls 7 separating through channels one another, and plugging portions 11; said plugging portion plugging predetermined through channels 9a at one end and the rest of through channels 9b at other end opposite to the plugged end of the predetermined through channels, wherein at least a part of predetermined crossing portions of the porous partition walls is discontinued to form a void portion 17 in each of the predetermined crossing portions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to conformal coatings that provide excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). A conformal coating comprises an insulating layer and a conducting layer containing electrically conductive material. The insulating layer comprises materials for protecting a coated object. The conducting layer comprises materials that provide EMI shielding such as carbon black, carbon buckeyballs, carbon nanotubes, chemically-modified carbon nanotubes and combinations thereof. The insulating layer and the conductive layer may be the same or different, and may be applied to an object simultaneously or sequentially. Accordingly, the invention is also directed to objects that are partially or completely coated with a conformal coating that provides EMI shielding.

Abstract: Thermostructural composite structure having a compositional gradient, formed from a porous core (5) made of a refractory having a pore volume content of greater than or equal to 80%. The core (5) lies between two intermediate layers (6a, 6b) comprising the carbon fiber reinforcement, densified by a matrix composed of the carbon phase and of a ceramic phase, and a refractory solid filler. Two monolithic ceramic shells (7a, 7b) cover the intermediate layers in order to give stiffness to the entire structure.

Abstract: The invention provides porous silicon nitride ceramics that having uniform, fine closed pores and a manufacturing method thereof. Metal Si powder is mixed with a sintering additive, followed by thermal treatment, which is a pre-process for forming a specific grain boundary phase. Two-stage thermal treatment is thereafter performed by microwave heating at a temperature of 1000° C. or more. The metal Si powder is thereafter subjected to a nitriding reaction from its surface, the metal Si is thereafter diffused to nitride formed on the outer shell thereof such that porous silicon nitride ceramics having uniform, fine closed pores can be produced. Having a high ratio of closed pores and being superior in electrical/mechanical characteristics, the porous silicon nitride ceramics can display excellent characteristics if used, for example, for an electronic circuit board that requires an anti-hygroscopicity, a low dielectric constant, a low dielectric loss, and mechanical strength.

Abstract: A method (200) and system (100) for the protection of stucco. A water-resistant preconditioner (102) is formulated. A substantially waterproof and breathable sealant coating (104 is formulated, and a water-resistant acrylic paint (106) is obtained. The preconditioner (102) is applied to a new stucco. The sealant coating (104) is applied to the stucco after the preconditioner (102). The acrylic paint (106) is applied to the stucco after the sealant coating (104). The preconditioner (102) contains water (114), a styrene acrylic primer (118), and a siliconate solution (120). The sealant coating (104) contains water (134), ceramic microspheres (152), polymeric microspheres (160), and a resin binder (166).

Abstract: A laminate with a peelable top layer is provided. The laminate comprises a substrate such as a porous board, the top layer such as a plastic top layer or a decorated metal plate, and a bonding layer between the top layer and the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the top layer is porous. An adhesive for forming the bonding layer comprises (A) an aqueous dispersion containing a polymer, which demonstrates properties that a dried film of the aqueous dispersion has a tensile strength of 1 to 28 MPa and a percentage elongation of 100 to 2000%, and (B) a water-based adhesive composition containing microspheres with thermal expansion capability, each of which is composed of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. By use of this adhesive, the bonding layer provides a high bonding strength between the top layer and the substrate. When irradiating the laminate with ultraviolet or far infrared, while heating, the top layer can be easily peeled off from the laminate.

Abstract: An abradable coating composition for use on shrouds in gas turbine engines or other hot gas path metal components exposed to high temperatures containing an initial porous coating phase created by adding an amount of inorganic microspheres, preferably alumina-ceramic microballoons, to a base metal alloy containing high Al, Cr or Ti such as ?-NiAl or, alternatively, MCrAlY that serves to increase the brittle nature of the metal matrix, thereby increasing the abradability and oxidation resistance of the coating at elevated temperatures. Coatings having a total open and closed porosity of between 20% and 55% by volume due to the presence of ceramic microballoons ranging in size from about 10 microns to about 200 microns have been found to exhibit excellent abradability for applications involving turbine shroud coatings. An abradable coating thickness in the range of between 40 and 60 ml provides improved performance for turbine shrouds exposed to gas temperatures between 1380° F. and 1800° F.

Abstract: A laminate with a peelable top layer is provided. The laminate comprises a substrate such as a porous board, the top layer such as a plastic top layer or a decorated metal plate, and a bonding layer between the top layer and the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the top layer is porous. An adhesive for forming the bonding layer comprises (A) an aqueous dispersion containing a polymer, which demonstrates properties that a dried film of the aqueous dispersion has a tensile strength of 1 to 28 MPa and a percentage elongation of 100 to 2000%, and (B) a water-based adhesive composition containing microspheres with thermal expansion capability, each of which is composed of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. By use of this adhesive, the bonding layer provides a high bonding strength between the top layer and the substrate. When irradiating the laminate with ultraviolet or far infrared, while heating, the top layer can be easily peeled off from the laminate.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst formulation which exhibits extended catalyst life. The formulation comprises a mixture of a ceramic foam material uniformly interspersed between the solid catalyst particles, with the volume percent of ceramic material in the mixture preferably ranging from 20 to 60 volume %. The catalyst formulation is particularly applicable to solid catalyst particles comprised of a phosphoric acid impregnated substrate, and is particularly useful for processes such as catalytic hydrocarbon condensation processes.

Abstract: Prepare a foam structure that includes hollow coalesced foam strands and, optionally, solid coalesced foam strands using an extrusion die block equipped with apertures that promote forming the hollow strands and, optionally, the solid foam strands.

Abstract: A secondary backing for surface coverings is disclosed which comprises at least one thermoplastic material optionally having polymeric microspheres dispersed therein. A textile substrate comprising a primary backing with textile fibers extending upwardly from the backing and forming a surface and the above-described secondary backing attached thereto is also described. Methods of making the textile substrate and the secondary backing which can be foam or hardback are also described. Also described is a resilient surface covering, such as vinyl flooring, using the secondary backing of the present invention in one or more layers.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a member that contains an encapsulated essential oil. The encapsulated essential oil can be in many forms, such as, a film, fiber, filament, particle, coating or mixtures thereof. Regardless of the composition, upon mechanical cracking or breaking of the encapsulation or upon exposure to liquid, fragrance and the related antimicrobial properties contained therein are released.

Abstract: Polymer foam articles prepared by melt-mixing a polymer composition and a plurality of microspheres, at least one of which is an expandable polymeric microsphere, under process conditions, including temperature and shear rate, selected to form an expandable extrudable composition; and extruding the composition through a die.

Abstract: A prepreg containing fibers and a curable matrix, the prepreg having a core and a surface part encasing the core, where the matrix of the core and of the surface part are made of the same material and where the proportion of the matrix to the fibers is higher in the core than in the surface part. A composite obtainable from the prepreg as well as the use of the composite or prepreg are also disclosed.

Abstract: A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example.

Abstract: A channelized sorbent material comprises porous sorbent particles characterized by an average pore diameter. Each sorbent particle has at least one interior channel of an average transverse dimension (i.e. transverse diameter) that is at least ten times larger than the average pore diameter of the porous sorbent particle. The interior channel may constitute a single cylindrical through-bore in the sorbent particle, or alternatively, an array of intersecting or non-intersecting channels. The porous sorbent particles preferably comprise bead activated carbon particles. Such channelized sorbent material is particular useful as sorbent media in an adsorption-desorption apparatus for storage and dispensing of a sorbable fluid.

Abstract: An extruded hollow thermoplastic board, which includes a pair of flat and parallel sheets spaced apart and interconnected by extending ribs, generally has a plurality of depression bands in the areas where the flat sheets and extending ribs are joined. The bands, which negatively affect the surface flatness, are especially apparent for crystalline thermoplastic materials. A hollow thermoplastic board, which effectively reduces the depth of the depression bands by inclusion of locationally fixed gas pockets in the rib area during production, is disclosed in the present invention. The hollow thermoplastic board of the present invention substantially enhances the surface smoothness and is highly beneficial to applications such as printing, lamination and graphic art. The present invention also provides a method for production of the hollow thermoplastic boards of smooth surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention includes an insulating piece formed from a rubber based elastomeric foam having a density of 30 to 120 g/dm3 or between 40 to 80 g/dm3. The foam may be acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), or butyl rubber (IIR). Additionally, separate air channels are provided which extend in the longitudinal direction outside the projections in a uniform distribution over the cross-sectional area of the insulating piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grip element configured for assembly over at least a portion of an article to cushion at least the fingers of a user. The grip element includes a foam comprising (1) a copolymer having repeat units derived from a nitrile-containing monomer and a diene monomer and (2) a plasticizer to plasticize said foam, said foam being essentially free of (1) vinyl chloride and (2) phthalate plasticizers. Said foam is compressible and deformable in response to application of gripping pressure thereto.

Abstract: A flexible sandwich panel (100), comprised of a center layer (1) and one or two outer layers (2; 3), where the center layer is made of a polymeric synthetic material, is itself flexible and exhibits a coarse-cell honeycomb structure with open cells (4) in the direction of the upper and lower side of the center layer. The outer layer or layers consist of a hardened mortar that is made flexible with synthetic additives, and that have as their core a web material consisting essentially of fibers, where the exterior side (5) of the hardened outer layer is left unrefined or roughcast in a plaster-like manner. The sandwich panel can be bent without flaking of the outer layers.

Abstract: An improved porous article and a method for forming such porous article are provided. A mixture of ceramic or metal particles 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: 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: Production of hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles includes baking and carbonization of polymer particles having a specified volume after deformation. A metal-deposited carbon fiber with metal deposited inside and/or outside the hollow carbon fiber is applicable to electron discharge devices. The thickness and crystallinity of the graphite layer can be freely controlled. Since almost no by-product is generated, separation and refining using a solvent is not required. A hollow carbon particle of desired shape can be produced at a high yield rate. The hollow carbon fiber represented by a carbon nano-tube can be controlled in such a way that a low resistance and uniform shape are provided so that there is an increase in the amount of electrons discharged from the hollow carbon fiber. Use of this hollow carbon fiber as an electron discharge source provides an excellent electron discharge device characterized by stable pixels.

Abstract: A highly permeable and water resistant barrier sheet, comprising a porous buffer sheet and a water resistant nonwoven cloth of 100 mmH2O or higher in water resistance connected integrally with each other and combined with a permeable sheet-like absorber to form an absorbing core so as to make an absorber product highly permeable, wherein the porous buffer sheet is a perforated film formed desirably in an irregular structure having funnel-shaped perforated structures with top and bottom parts different in diameter from each other and, when the diameter thereof on the shorter diameter side is 1 mm or shorter when a hole is approximated in a complete round shape and the number of holes is 20/cm2 or more.

Abstract: A hollow polyester filament is disclosed that has sufficient openings therein for the hollow filament to substantially fill with water. The polyester filament has a moisture absorption capability of between about 10 and 30 percent by volume.

Abstract: The invention is directed to conformal coatings that provide excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). A conformal coating comprises an insulating layer and a conducting layer containing electrically conductive material. The insulating layer comprises materials for protecting a coated object. The conducting layer comprises materials that provide EMI shielding such as carbon black, carbon buckeyballs, carbon nanotubes, chemically-modified carbon nanotubes and combinations thereof. The insulating layer and the conductive layer may be the same or different, and may be applied to an object simultaneously or sequentially. Accordingly, the invention is also directed to objects that are partially or completely coated with a conformal coating that provides EMI shielding.

Abstract: A polishing pad is provided. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer composed of a polymeric matrix and liquid microelements embedded in the polymeric matrix. Open pores defined by the embedded liquid microelements are distributed across a surface of the polishing layer. Due to the microstructural open pores uniformly distributed across a surface of the polishing pad, a polishing operation can be performed at high precision. The polishing pad shows constant polishing performance during the polishing operation, can be stably used, and does not cause a wafer to be scratched. In addition, a method of manufacturing the polishing pad is provided. Since all components used to manufacture the polishing pad are in a liquid phase, manufacturing can be easily performed.

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: The object of the present invention is to provide a porous membrane having a high strength and excellent water permeability and rejection properties. The porous membrane of the present invention has both a three-dimensional network structure and a spherical structure. The porous membrane of the present invention is suitably used for water treatment membranes, battery separators, charged membranes, fuel cells, blood purification membranes, and the like.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a ceramic body that can support a required amount of a catalyst component, without lowering the characteristics such as strength, being manufactured without forming a coating layer and providing a high performance ceramic catalyst that is excellent in practical utility and durability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a co-injection molded, multiphase vehicle component having a microsphere enhanced region, as well as a method for constructing such a vehicle component. The vehicle component has an outer portion or phase that is formed by first injecting a preselected quantity of a desired thermoplastic material into a preselected mold (402) in a manner to achieve a first layer of the thermoplastic material in a cavity of the mold. Then, a microsphere enhanced inner portion or phase is formed by injection of a micrsophere enhanced core material (404) to fill a remaining portion of the cavity. The resulting vehicle component typically has a lower density, and thus a lower weight, is generally less costly, and maintains the desired strength by selection of suitable microspheres, typically substantially hollow, and a suitable proportion of microspheres per unit volume of core material.

Abstract: Production of hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles includes baking and carbonization of polymer particles having a specified volume after deformation. A metal-deposited carbon fiber with metal deposited inside and/or outside the hollow carbon fiber is applicable to electron discharge devices. The thickness and crystallinity of the graphite layer can be freely controlled. Since almost no by-product is generated, separation and refining using a solvent is not required. A hollow carbon particle of desired shape can be produced at a high yield rate. The hollow carbon fiber represented by a carbon nano-tube can be controlled in such a way that a low resistance and uniform shape are provided so that there is an increase in the amount of electrons discharged from the hollow carbon fiber. Use of this hollow carbon fiber as an electron discharge source provides an excellent electron discharge device characterized by stable pixels.

Abstract: A layered sheet construction contains at least one gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer, and a gas delivery layer formed of a corrugated sheet proximate the gas permeable, water impermeable layer. The corrugated sheet has corrugations that form flow channels through which gas can be conveyed to the gas permeable layer. One embodiment of the layered sheet construction includes a gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer having a surface energy that is below 20 dynes per centimeter.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising an expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite capable of being located within a hollow interior portion of a structural material and being expanded therein. Also, articles of manufacture comprising open-cellular structural material containing within the open-cell or cell thereof, at least one expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite. The composite is desirably in the shape of a plug that is similar or close to similar to the shape of the hollow interior. In addition, there is described a process that comprises forming a pre-shaped expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming. monolithic composite for use in reinforcing and stiffening a normally open-cellular structural material.

Abstract: Using a mold equipped with a rib-forming member capable of moving forward and backward relative to the mold cavity, produced is a lightweight, hollow resin molding having a reinforcing rib structure in the hollow area, from a fiber-containing thermoplastic resin having a fiber content of from 10 to 70% by weight. To produce the molding, a melt of a fiber-containing thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold cavity or is injected thereinto under compression, then the movable mold member is moved backward in the direction in which the mold cavity is expandable, and after the start of the mold member moving, a gas is introduced into the resin melt. Even though the molding has a hollow structure and has a large surface area, it has good stiffness and high strength, and has good appearances. The weight of the molding can be well controlled and reduced to any desired degree. The molding has many applications in various fields.