Abstract: A membrane comprises a sheet of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The sheet includes a first extrudate made from a first PTFE fine powder resin mixed with processing lubricant at a first lube rate. A second extrudate is made from the first PTFE fine powder resin mixed with processing lubricant at the first lube rate. The first and second extrudates combined into an integrated tape structure that is stretched in first and second directions. The sheet is porous and has a gas permeability of at least 0.1 CFM according to ASTM D737. The sheet has an average Mullen Hydrostatic Burst pressure in the range of 135 psi to 175 psi according to ASTM D751.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure having a spatially organized polymer nanostructured thin film and a metal coating on the film. The thin film is made by directing a monomer vapor or pyrolyzed monomer vapor towards a substrate at an angle other than perpendicular to the substrate, and polymerizing the monomer or pyrolyzed monomer on the substrate.

Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous material including a polyolefin matrix material; finely divided, substantially water-insoluble filler distributed throughout the matrix material, where the filler includes a positive amount of titanium dioxide; a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material; and optionally, a contrasting enhancing amount of a contrast enhancing material. The sum of the weight percent of the titanium dioxide and the weight percent of the optional contrast enhancing material is at least 3 weight percent based on total weight of the microporous material. Multilayer articles having a layer of the microporous material also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multilayer article including at least one layer of microporous material including: (a) a polymeric matrix including a renewable polymer and optionally a polyolefin that is the same as or different from the renewable polymer, (b) finely divided, particulate filler distributed throughout the matrix, and (c) at least 35 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material. At least one layer of the multilayer article includes at least one of a data transmission device, electronic circuitry, antenna, or magnetic material.

Abstract: A membrane includes a base material and a glued fixture. The base material has a plurality of pores, and is selected from a fiber fabric film, a blended fabric film and a non-fabric film. The glued fixture has a polymer material and a plurality of inorganic materials. The inorganic materials are glued on the pores by the polymer material to form a plurality of microporous structures.

Abstract: An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film structure is at least partially embedded into the flexible polymer matrix through a first surface. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.

Abstract: A spatially organized polymer nanostructured thin film and a ligand adsorbate attached to the polymer nanostructured thin film and, optionally, an additional material or materials attached to the ligand adsorbate. A method for forming a structure by: providing a spatially organized polymer nanostructured thin film and a ligand adsorbate, and adsorbing the ligand adsorbate onto the thin film and, optionally, binding additional material or materials to the ligand adsorbate.

Abstract: A high temperature structural insulation layer is disclosed. A micro-truss structure comprises a porous lattice structure, and a protected substructure comprises at least one hole. At least one fiber non-adhesively couples the micro-truss structure to the protected substructure via the at least one fiber passing through one or more spaces within the porous lattice structure.

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: The present invention relates to a multi-layered microporous polyolefin film for a battery separator and a method for preparing the same. The microporous multi-layered film of the present invention has a characteristics to have both the low shutdown temperature conferred by the polyethylene and the high melt fracture temperature conferred by the polypropylene and heat-resistant filler. In addition, it has the high strength and stability conferred by the micropores prepared under wet process and the high permeability and high strength conferred by the macropores prepared under dry process. Therefore, this multi-layered film can be used effectively to manufacture a secondary battery with high capacity and high power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for generating a porous material having homogeneous, gas-containing inclusions in the micrometer and sub-micrometer range, and also to the material produced by such process.

Abstract: A diaphragm includes a carbon nanotube film structure and an amorphous carbon structure composited with the carbon nanotube structure to form a stratiform composite structure. The carbon nanotube film structure defines a plurality of micropores therein. The amorphous carbon structure comprises a plurality of amorphous carbon particles received in the micropores.

Abstract: Disclosed are cordierite bodies having relatively low thermal mass with good mechanical strength. The porous cordierite bodies generally include a primary cordierite ceramic phase as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the cordierite bodies.

Abstract: An aqueous delivery system is described including at least one surfactant and at least one water insoluble wetting agent. Further described are low surface energy substrates, such as microporous polytetrafluoroethylene, coated with such an aqueous solution so as to impart a change in at least one surface characteristic compared to the surface characteristics of the uncoated low surface energy substrate.

Abstract: A ceramic foam filter for molten aluminum alloys comprising an alumina silicate rich core and a boron glass shell and a chemical composition comprising: 20-70 wt % Al2O3, 20-60 wt % SiO2, 0-10 wt % CaO, 0-10 wt %; MgO and 2-20 wt % B2O3.

Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: A bobbin includes a carbon nanotube film structure and an amorphous carbon structure. The carbon nanotube film structure defines a number of micropores therein. The amorphous carbon structure is composited with the carbon nanotube structure. The amorphous carbon structure comprises a number of amorphous carbon particles received in the micropores.

Abstract: A self-cleaning member comprising a member having a porous surface is disclosed. The member has a contact angle hysteresis ?? (=?a??r), which is a difference between an advancing contact angle ?a and a receding contact angle ?r measured by a dynamic contact angle measurement with an extension/contraction method, of 80 degree or more at the surface layer and a receding contact angle ?r of 25 degree or less, is capable of forming a water film on the surface by water provided and of allowing an ionic or reactive contaminant to be washed away without fixation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite polymer/nanoporous film system and methods of fabrication of tunable nanoporous coatings on flexible polymer substrates. The porosity of the nanoporous film can be tuned during fabrication to a desired value by adjusting the deposition conditions. Experiments show that SiO2 coatings with tunable porosity fabricated by oblique-angle electron beam deposition can be deposited on polymer substrates. These conformable coatings have many applications, including in the field of optics where the ability to fabricate tunable refractive index coatings on a variety of materials and shapes is of great importance.

Abstract: An absorbing element having an adhesive surface showing adhesive properties for adhering to a substrate wherein at least a part of the surface has been treated, resulting in alteration of the surface properties of the heat treated part of the surface. By heat treatment, it is possible to provide an adhesive surface having parts showing different colors, water absorption properties, and/or adhesive properties. These parts include grottos in a first facade of the absorbing element that are at least 5 ?m in diameter, with an average size of the grottos being less than 300 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for printing on a microporous substrate using a laser to melt or soften the substrate so that the pores collapse and produce clear regions on a white background. The preferred substrate is one based on polypropylene where the microvoids are produced by orienting an extruded, precursor sheet that contains the beta crystalline form of polypropylene. A dark co-extruded layer or a pigmented adhesive can be placed on the non-laser treated side of the film, so that the treated side shows the color of the backing layer through the clear regions. This type of printing or laser marking does not require any inks, solvents, or other consumable additives, and the printing can be done at very high production rates and at low cost. The small void size of the film allows for fine print detail and excellent print contrast.

Abstract: A thermal insulating packaging film which includes: a base material; and an open-cell layer disposed on one face of the base material and made of polyolefin. The open-cell layer in the thermal insulating packaging film preferably has an average bore diameter of 150 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A heat sinking element and a method of treating a heat sinking element are provided. The heat sinking element includes a metal substrate. The metal substrate is mainly composed of aluminium. A surface of the metal substrate has a plurality of micro-nano holes and a diameter of the micro-nano holes is smaller than 300 nm. The method of treating a heat sinking element includes performing an oxidation process and an etching process on the metal substrate so as to form the plurality of micro-nano holes.

Abstract: A porous carbonaceous composite material, a positive electrode and lithium air battery including the porous carbonaceous composite material, and a method of preparing the porous carbonaceous composite material. The porous carbonaceous composite material includes a carbon nanotube (CNT); and a modified carbonaceous material doped with a heterogeneous element, wherein the ratio of the number of surface oxygen atoms to the number of surface carbon atoms ranges upward from about 2 atom %.

Abstract: By engineering thermal spray parameters, such as temperature and velocity, and engineering feedstock powder size and morphology, ceramic coatings may be produced having desired mechanical and thermal properties. The ceramic thermal spray coating may have a microstructure having about 10-80% by cross-sectional area of a particulate phase based on, surface area of the coating, and the particulate phase is uniformly distributed throughout the coating. The particulate phase is an unmelted portion of the thermal sprayed feedstock, which is highly porous and may be produced by agglomerating nanoparticles of the ceramic. Such coatings can be applied as TBCs or as abradable coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microporous polyethylene film for use as battery separator. The microporous polyethylene film according to the present invention is characterized by having a film thickness of 5-40 ?m, a porosity of 35-55%, a permeability from 2.5×10?5 to 10.0 10?5 Darcy, a puncture strength of at least 0.10 N/?m at 90° C., a puncture angle of at least 30° at 90° C., and a permeability from 2.0 10?5 to 8.0 10?5 Darcy after shrinking freely at 120° C. for 1 hour. The microporous polyethylene film in accordance with the present invention has very superior puncture strength and thermal stability at high temperature and takes place of less decrease of permeability due to low thermal shrinkage at high temperature, as well as superior permeability. Therefore, it can be usefully applied in a high-capacity, high-power battery to improve thermal stability and long-term stability of the battery.

Abstract: Provided are separators for use in batteries and capacitors comprising (a) at least 50% by weight of an aluminum oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the aluminum oxide is surface modified by treatment with an organic acid to form a modified aluminum oxide, and wherein the treatment provides dispersibility of the aluminum oxide in aprotic solvents such as N-methyl pyrrolidone. Preferably, the organic acid is a sulfonic acid, such as p-toluenesulfonic acid. Also preferably, the organic polymer is a fluorinated polymer, such as polyvinylidene fluoride. Also provided are electrochemical cells and capacitors comprising such separators.

Abstract: A method for modifying a porous substrate, including: coating a metal hydroxide layer on a porous substrate; and calcining the porous substrate with the metal hydroxide layer coated thereon to transform the metal hydroxide layer into a continuous metal oxide layer, forming a modified porous substrate. The disclosure also provides a modified porous substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polishing pad that has high level of optical detection accuracy and is prevented from causing slurry leak from between the polishing region and the light-transmitting region includes preparing a cell-dispersed urethane composition by a mechanical foaming method; placing a light-transmitting region at a predetermined position on a face material or a belt conveyor, continuously discharging the cell-dispersed urethane composition onto part of the face material or the belt conveyor where the light-transmitting region is not placed; placing another face material or belt conveyor on the discharged cell-dispersed urethane composition; curing the cell-dispersed urethane composition to form a polishing region including a polyurethane foam, so that a polishing sheet is prepared; applying a coating composition containing an aliphatic and/or alicyclic polyisocyanate to one side of the polishing sheet and curing the coating composition to form water-impermeable film; and cutting the polishing

Abstract: The invention relates to microporous polymeric membranes suitable for use as battery separator film. The membrane comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethylpentene. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a membrane, batteries containing such membranes as battery separators, methods for making such batteries, and methods for using such batteries.

Abstract: A hygroscopic filler for an organic EL getter, a method of manufacturing the same, and an organic EL device including the same, the hygroscopic filler including a sheet having pores; and a mixture of an organic binder and a hygroscopic material, the mixture being secured to the sheet.

Abstract: An optical sheet is structured to have a translucent substrate 12, an optical element 16 provided on one surface S1 of the translucent substrate 12, on which a plurality of unit prisms 14 or unit lenses are arranged, and a light diffusion layer provided between the one surface S1 and the optical element 16 and/or on another surface S2 of the translucent substrate 12, and at least one of the light diffusion layer 18 includes gap parts 22 as a light diffusion element. At this time, the gap parts 22 is preferably in an approximately oval shape oriented in a uniaxial direction in plan view.

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: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a biaxially oriented film having a porous layer, which contains propylene polymer and at least one ?-nucleating agent and whose microporosity is generated by converting ?-crystalline polypropylene during stretching of the film, for labeling containers during a drawing process.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of immobilizing carbon nanotubes on a surface, wherein the method comprises: (1) mixing carbon nanotubes with a superacid to form a carbon nanotube solution; and (2) exposing the carbon nanotube solution to the surface. The exposing results in the immobilization of the carbon nanotubes on the surface. In some embodiments, the method occurs without the utilization of carbon nanotube wrapping molecules. Other embodiments of the present invention pertain to systems that comprise immobilized carbon nanotubes on a surface, as developed by the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous polyimide membrane of a three-layer structure having two surface layers (a) and (b) and a macrovoid layer interposed between the surface layers (a) and (b), wherein the macrovoid layer has a partition wall joined to the surface layers (a) and (b) and plural macrovoids surrounded by the partition wall and the surface layers (a) and (b), with an average void diameter in a membrane plane direction of from 10 to 500 ?m; each of the partition wall of the macrovoid layer and the surface layers (a) and (b) has a thickness of from 0.1 to 50 ?m and has plural pores having an average pore diameter of from 0.01 to 5 ?m, the pores being communicated with each other and also communicated with the macrovoids; and the membrane has a total membrane thickness of from 5 to 500 ?m and a porosity of from 70 to 95%.

Abstract: A permeable film or container for use in extending the storage life of a foodstuff or produce is provided. The film or container is formed from a plastics component, a porous component having a particle size smaller than the thickness of the film, and an acid component selected from at least one carboxylic acid compound in free or salt form. The permeable film is adapted for controlling the environment surrounding the foodstuff to reduce its respiration rate or senescence by controlling the transfer of gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, and build up of moisture. In one preferred embodiment the present invention provides a permeable film for use in the storage of a foodstuff, formed from a polymer component, a clay activated base component, and sorbic acid in free or salt form.

Abstract: A microvascular system includes a solid polymeric matrix and a woven structure in the matrix. The woven structure includes a plurality of fibers, and a plurality of microfluidic channels, where at least a portion of the microfluidic channels are interconnected. The microvascular system may be made by forming a composite that includes a solid polymeric matrix and a plurality of sacrificial fibers in the matrix, heating the composite to a temperature of from 100 to 250° C., maintaining the composite at a temperature of from 100 to 250° C. for a time sufficient to form degradants from the sacrificial fibers, and removing the degradants from the composite. The sacrificial fibers may include a polymeric fiber matrix including a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) and a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali earth metal and a transition metal, in the fiber matrix, where the concentration of the metal in the fiber matrix is at least 0.1 wt %.

Abstract: Structures are provided that include electroactive polymers. According to these structures, the electroactive materials have enhanced conductivity in a first direction. Also, the structures include either pores or inclusions. These pores or inclusions are non-parallel to the first direction. In addition, methods for forming structures that include electroactive polymers that have enhanced conductivity in a first direction are provided. These methods allow for pores and/or inclusions to be formed in the electroactive polymers.

Abstract: A membrane according to the present invention includes a support member and a polymer layer disposed on the support member and including a plurality of nano pores each having an inner wall formed of a block-structured polymer material of which the end thereof is substituted by a functional group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the formation of pores of controlled shape, dimensions and distribution in a polymer matrix comprising a step of embedding silicon nanowires and/or nanotrees in a nonpolymerized polymer matrix or a nonpolymerized polymer matrix in suspension or in solution in at least one solvent, a step of curing the polymer matrix, and a step of removing the silicon nanowires and/or nanotrees by chemical treatment. The process of the invention can be used for the manufacture of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell active layer. The invention has applications in the field of manufacture of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, in particular.

Abstract: A graphite material includes a plurality of graphite particles and a plurality of pores. The plurality of graphite particles and the plurality of pores form a microstructure. A ratio of an elastic modulus to a compression strength of the graphite material ranges from 109 to 138. Preferably, a ratio of a total area of the pores to a whole area of the graphite material in a cross-section of the graphite material ranges from 17.94% to 19.97%.

Abstract: A composition for a rigid polyurethane foam with reduced cell sizes contains a polyol, water, a catalyst, a blowing agent; and an ionic liquid. The rigid polyurethane foam is produced by adding an ionic liquid as an eco-friendly additive to a polyol composition so as to improve insulation efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A wood powder-containing resin molded article which can be reduced in weight by reducing an amount of thermoplastic resin, and also has excellent mechanical strength, and a method for producing the same are provided. A wood powder-containing resin molded article 1 is made of a thermoplastic resin containing wood powder, and includes a non-foamed layer 2 formed on a surface and a foamed layer 3 formed in an inner portion. The foamed layer 3 includes, in order from a side close to the surface, a first foamed layer 3a, a second foamed layer 3b having cells with a smaller average pore size than those of the first foamed layer 3a, and a third foamed layer 3c having cells with a larger average pore size than those of the first foamed layer 3a. The wood powder-containing resin molded article 1 contains a perfuming component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new, improved or modified polymer materials, membranes, substrates, and the like and to new, improved or modified methods for permanently modifying the physical and/or chemical nature of surfaces of the polymer materials, membranes, or substrates for a variety of end uses or applications. For example, one improved method uses a carbene and/or nitrene modifier to chemically modify a functionalized polymer to form a chemical species which can chemically react with the surface of a polymer substrate and alter its chemical reactivity. Furthermore, this invention can be used to produce chemically modified membranes, fibers, hollow fibers, textiles, and the like.

Abstract: A porous structured organic film including a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein at a macroscopic level the covalent organic framework is a film and contains a plurality of sites accessible to one or more entity.

Abstract: A method for treating a substrate is described. In accordance with one aspect, the method includes applying a polymer coating to a substrate, and bringing the polymer coating into contact with a heated surface in a pressure nip while the coating is still in a wet state. Optionally the polymer coating may include a crosslinkable material, and a crosslinking agent may be used to promote crosslinking. The polymer coating replicates the heated surface. A product produced in accordance with the described method is also disclosed. The product is characterized by having subsurface voids within the coating.

Abstract: A material contains open pores in which the channels and pores that are internally coated with at least one layer of phosphorus-containing alumina. Such material is formed by infiltrating a porous material one or more times with a non-colloidal, low-viscosity liquid coating precursor, drying, and curing the coating precursor to form a phosphorus-containing alumina layer within pores of the material.