Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising an imaging layer and a base wherein said base comprises a closed cell foam core sheet and adhered thereto an upper and lower flange sheet, wherein said foam core sheet has a modulus of between 100 and 2758 MPa and a tensile toughness between 0.344 and 35 MPa, and wherein said upper and lower flange sheet has a modulus of between and 1380 and 20000 MPa and a toughness between 1.4 and 210 MPa.

Abstract: Description is made of an open cell polystyrene resin foam having a content of organic volatile matters of less than 100 ppm. The open cell foam is suitable as a core material for a sound insulating material or a vacuum heat insulating material. The open cell foam can be produced by melt-kneading a polystyrene resin having a content of organic volatile matters of 100 ppm or higher together with water in an extruder, sucking out the organic volatile matters as an azeotrope with water through a vent, injecting a blowing agent and kneading the injected mixture, and extruding the mixture into a lower pressure area to cause the resin to foam.

Abstract: A porous film having excellent moisture permeability, flexibility and exudation resistance, as well as a manufacturing method capable of forming and stretching at high speed a porous film having the characteristics described above, the porous film being molded from a composition containing 25 to 55% by weight of polyolefinic resin and 75 to 45% by weight of an inorganic filler in which the polyolefinic resin contains 98 to 70% by weight of linear low density polyethylene and 2 to 30% by weight of branched low density polyethylene, and 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of liquid ethylene-?-olefin oligomer based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising an imaging layer and a base wherein said base comprises a closed cell foam core sheet and adhered thereto an upper and lower flange sheet, wherein said foam core sheet has a modulus of between 100 and 2758 MPa and a tensile toughness between 0.344 and 35 MPa, and wherein said upper and lower flange sheet has a modulus of between and 1380 and 20000 MPa and a toughness between 1.4 and 210 MPa.

Abstract: A multilayer microporous membrane containing a thermoplastic resin, comprising a coarse structure layer with a higher open pore ratio and a fine structure layer with a lower open pore ratio, wherein said coarse structure layer is present at least in one membrane surface having a thickness of not less than 5.0 ?m, a thickness of said fine structure layer is not less than 50% of the whole membrane thickness, and said coarse structure layer and said fine structure layer are formed in one-piece.

Abstract: A foam-molded synthetic resin material in which a RBC or CRBC fine powder and bubbles are homogeneously dispersed. There is provided an electrically conductive molded resin material of sufficient porosity by using a fine powder of RB ceramics (RBC) or CRB ceramics (CRBC), in which a surface thereof is not covered with a skin layer while an electrically conductive material is directly bared on the surface, and a method for preparing same and uses thereof.

Abstract: The application discloses methods of plasma treatment that employ an ion sheath in a capacitively-coupled system to increase the hydrophilicity of porous articles, including microporous articles having pore sizes of 0.05 to 1.5 micrometers, both on their surfaces and in their pores such that the articles' bulk wetting properties are improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a polypropylene foam by mixing a high melt strength polypropylene and a blowing agent to form a melt mixture, reducing the temperature of the melt mixture at the exit of the apparatus to an exit temperature that is no more than 30° C. above the melt temperature of the neat polypropylene while maintaining the melt mixture at a pressure sufficient to prevent foaming; passing the mixture through said exit shaping orifice and exposing the mixture to atmospheric pressure, whereby the blowing agent expands causing cell formation resulting in foam formation, and orienting said foam. The foam is useful as tape backings, thermal and acoustical insulation and as a diffuse reflector for use in optical applications such as computer displays.

Abstract: A separator for metal/halogen batteries is provided which is excellent in thermal resistance, resistance to stress-cracking and electric properties. A separator for metal/halogen batteries comprising a polyolefin having a viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 350,000 and not more than 2,000,000, in which polyolefin the proportion by weight of a polyolefin having a molecular weight of not less than 1,000,000 is not less than 15% and not more than 80%, and a hydrophilic fine particulate inorganic material(s), wherein the weight ratio of the polyolefins to the hydrophilic fine particulate inorganic material(s) is not less than 0.55 and less than 1, said separator having a pore volume of not less than 900 mm3/g and a thickness of 0.2 to 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A gasket which shields against interfering radiation and comprises a metallized plastic foam has a network of open cells which are in communication with one another and is used, for example, to seal any gap between an earth wire on a PCB and cover which shields against interfering radiation. According to one aspect, the cells (34) are oriented in the height direction of the gasket in such a manner that the elastic compressibility of the gasket is at least 80% in the height direction.

Abstract: A nanostructure is a porous body comprising a plurality of pillar-shaped pores and a region surrounding them, said region being an oxide amorphous region formed so as to contain C, Si, Ge or a material of a combination of them. Such a nanostructure can be used as functional material that can be used for light emitting devices, optical devices and microdevices. It can also be used as filter.

Abstract: There are provided a porous material and a process for producing the same. The porous material has a plurality of columnar pores and an area surrounding the pores, and the area is an amorphous area containing C, Si, Ge or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Flame retardant EMI shielding materials with improved retention of shielding properties are disclosed. The shielding materials are provided with a dispersed flame retardant on the surfaces of the internal interstices. Methods of making the flame retardant shielding materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A body, such as a grain, for providing ingrowth and growth of bone tissue and/or connective tissue. The body consists of a plastic or non-essentially elastic biocompatible material, preferably metal or metal alloy. It is also porous, having the following porosity characteristics: (a) the porosity is continuous and (b) the opening of cavities/indentations/pockets and the ducts connecting them has the width of >about 50 ?m for bone tissue and >about 10 ?m for connective tissue. In a method of making such a body, the body has been produced by blowing gas into a melt of metal. An advantageous use of bodies according to the invention is enclosing thereof in a casing, formed with openings, for making an implant, such as a spinal implant.

Abstract: A nanostructured apparatus may include a mesoporous template having an array of regularly-spaced pores. One or more layers of material may conformally coat the walls to a substantially uniform thickness. Such an apparatus can be used in a variety of devices including optoelectronic devices, e.g., light emitting devices (such as LEDs, and lasers) and photovoltaic devices (such as solar cells) optical devices (luminescent, electro-optic, and magnetooptic waveguides, optical filters, optical switches, amplifies, laser diodes, multiplexers, optical couplers, and the like), sensors, chemical devices (such as catalysts) and mechanical devices (such as filters for filtering gases or liquids).

Abstract: A method for forming a molded panel comprising a rigid substrate, a cover material, and a localized composite pad. The method comprises providing a molding tool having a first mold and a second mold, the first mold having a cavity; inserting a cover material between the first mold and the second mold; placing a composite pad comprising an impregnable layer and a non-impregnable layer in the cavity of the first mold, wherein the non-impregnable layer is facing the second mold and the impregnable layer is abutting the first mold; introducing resin into the molding tool; and solidifying the resin to form the molded panel whereby the non-impregnable layer of the composite pad is located adjacent the cover material.

Abstract: An optical component or an analytical platform includes a substrate, an array of microstructures on the substrate and microchannels formed by side walls of adjacent microstructures, a width of the microchannels varies as a function of distance to the substrate, the width continuously decreasing with increasing distance from the substrate within at least one distance-interval. In a method for producing such a component or such a platform a substrate with an array of surface microstructures is coated in a vapor treatment in such a way that shadowing effects of the coating mechanism narrow at least partially a width of the upper parts of side walls of the microstructures thereby forming at least partially embedded microchannels.

Abstract: A porous ceramic laminate has a porous silicon nitride substrate and a porous silicon nitride separation film supported thereon and having minute pores of sizes capable of Knudsen separation or molecular sieve by sintering a porous silicon nitride substrate supporting a formed layer containing polysilazane at 800° C. in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: A foam composite made up of a scaffold of an open cell hydrophobic 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: The invention relates to processes for the synthesis of 2-D and 3-D periodic porous silicon structures and composites with improved properties having the advantages of porous silicon and photonic bandgap materials. Photonic crystals comprise a two dimensionally periodic or three dimensionally periodic microporous structural matrix of interconnecting, crystallographically oriented, monodispersed members having voids between adjacent members, and said members additionally having randomly nanoporous surface porosity. The silicon nanofoam material shows enhanced and spectrally controlled/tunable photoluminescence and electroluminesce and finds use as transparent electrodes, high-lumonosity light emitting diodes (LEDs), wavelength division multiplexors, high-active-area catalyst supports, photonic bandgap lasers, silicon-based UV detectors, displays, gas sensors, and the like.

Abstract: A porous sintered metal comprising voids at least partially communicating with each other, and pores provided in walls of the voids, the porous sintered metal having a BET surface area of 700 cm2/cm3 or more, and an average diameter of the pores being 1 ?m or more when measured by a mercury press-in method. The porous sintered metal is produced by blending a metal powder, a binder and resin particles to prepare a mixture in which the resin particles are dispersed; molding the mixture to provide a green body; selectively extracting the resin particles from the green body with a solvent; debinding the extracted green body by heating; and sintering the debound green body.

Abstract: A full-grained milled napa leather is provided on its grain side with a dressing formed from a solidified plastics dispersion. Required leather properties are still ensured and the production process is substantially simplified and more economical. First, the leather, such as cowhide, is subjected on a mechanically untreated grain side to a milling process for at least two hours. This results in a typical napa structure with a natural pebbled grain. Then, a polyurethane dispersion is applied to the grain side containing pigment particles and optionally further additives. Then the hide is allowed to dry. The solidified dispersion forming the dressing has a thickness of, preferably, from 0.05 mm to 0.07 mm.

Abstract: Articles comprising substantially uniform porous coatings, which may be photopatterned, are provided. The use of such porous coatings increases the surface density of attached compounds within, for example, ligand arrays prepared by methods such as regionally selective solid-phase chemical synthesis. Arrays prepared using the porous coatings may be used within a variety of diagnostic and drug discovery assays.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a ceramic substrate that is superior in temperature rising/dropping characteristics and breakdown voltage at a high temperature, has a small warp amount, and is best as a substrate for semiconductor-producing/examining devices. The ceramic substrate of the present invention is a ceramic substrate having a conductor formed on the surface thereof or inside thereof, characterized in that said ceramic substrate is having 15×1011 or less pores which have a diameter of 0.5 ?m or more per m2.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stretched, multilayer breathable film that provides a barrier to microorganisms, blood and bodily fluids that is manufactured by simultaneously extruding a five-layer film having a minimum structure of C:A:B:A:C or a three-layer film having a minimum structure of C:D:C in which B is a microporous core layer, C is an outer monolithic layer, A is a microporous adhesive layer for bonding the outer monolithic layers to the core layer, and D is a microporous adhesive layer, and then stretching the extruded film to form micropores in the microporous core layer or the microporous adhesive layer, the micropores allowing the passage of water vapor but substantially preventing the passage of liquid water.

Abstract: A porous resin film which comprises 30 to 90 wt % of a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophilic thermoplastic resin component; and 70 to 10 wt % of an inorganic or organic fine powder was disclosed. The porous resin film of the present invention is valuable as an ink-jet recording medium since the film shows excellent ink absorbing and drying properties even when a large amount of ink is discharged thereon, and thus can produce thereon a high-definition image.

Abstract: Highly transparent alumina hydrate particles having a large pore volume, having a pore diameter which falls in a specified range and, when formed into a high-concentration dispersion sol, exhibiting a low viscosity are provided. Alumina hydrate particles having a composition represented by the general formula xM2O.y(NH4)2O.Al2O3.zH2O (2×10?4?x?25×10?4, 0.1×10?4?y?20×10?4, 0.6?z?2.5, M represents an alkali metal; when the alkali metal is in the form of M2O, x is the number of moles thereof per mol of Al2O3; when ammonia is in the form of (NH4)2O, y is the number of moles thereof per mol of Al2O3; and z is the number of moles of hydration water (H2O) per mol of Al2O3), the alumina hydrate particles having an average particle diameter of 0.02 to 0.2 ?m, a total pore volume of 0.5 to 1.5 ml/g, and a volume of pores whose diameter is from 15 to 30 nm ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 ml/g.

Abstract: An optical component or an analytical platform includes a substrate, an array of microstructures on the substrate and microchannels formed by side walls of adjacent microstructures, a width of the microchannels varies as a function of distance to the substrate, the width continuously decreasing with increasing distance from the substrate within at least one distance-interval. In a method for producing such a component or such a platform a substrate with an array of surface microstructures is coated in a vapor treatment in such a way that shadowing effects of the coating mechanism narrow at least partially a width of the upper parts of side walls of the microstructures thereby forming at least partially embedded microchannels.

Abstract: A thin film based nanoporous alumina template has been developed which allows the in situ removal of an electrically insulating alumina barrier layer at the pore bases. This barrier free nanoporous system has great utility for electrodeposition of a wide variety of nanowire materials. An exemplary multilayer thin film precursor is provided comprising Al (anodization layer), Ti (diffusion barrier) and Pt (active electrode) on a Si substrate. Aluminum anodization in sulfuric acid with a subsequent applied voltage ramping program produces a Pt electrode at the base of the nanopores without the additional steps of alumina removal, barrier layer dissolution, and metal deposition onto the pore bottoms.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heat-stable ordered mesoporous or mesostructured material comprising a mineral phase wherein are dispersed particles of nanometric dimension at least partly crystaline, the global crystallinity index of said mesostructured or ordered mesoporous material being less than 10% in volume. The invention also concern a method for obtaining such a material.

Abstract: A retroreflective article comprises a) a microporous substrate (52) containing a plurality of pores (56) which are less than 0.5 ?m in diameter; and b) a layer of reflective material (54) located on the surface (58) of the substrate such that the reflective material layer at least partially obscures a plurality of the pores of the substrate. A method for the production of a reflective article comprises the steps of a) providing a substrate which contains pores which have a diameter of less than 0.5 ?m; and b) applying a layer of reflective material to the substrate in such a way that the reflective material layer at least partially obscures a plurality of the pores of the substrate.

Abstract: A composite metallic material 1 according to the invention is used for, e.g., electrolytic capacitors, and includes a metallic material substrate 10 and a high polymer thin layer 11 having a fine pattern 12 formed on at least one surface of the substrate 10 by self-organization. This high polymer thin film 11 is formed by, for example, drying hydrophobic organic solvent solution of high polymer compound. By subjecting this composite metallic material 1 to etching processing, etching pits are formed uniformly with high density based on the fine pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter comprised of activated carbon fibers, wherein said filter has a Virus Removal Index (hereafter “VRI”) of at least about 99%, as measured in accordance with the test method described in the specification. The filter may comprise unbound fibers, or the fibers may be bound with a binder to form a composite of fibers. Also disclosed is a method of removing viruses from a liquid, the method comprising contacting the liquid with a filter comprising activated carbon fibers wherein said filter has a VRI of at least about 99%. Also described is an article of manufacture comprising: (a) a filter comprising activated carbon fibers, wherein said filter has a VRI of at least about 99%; and (b) instructions which inform a user that the filter may be used to remove viruses from a liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates a source sheet for stencil printing comprising: a porous support material; a porous resin film formed on a surface of the porous support material; wherein, the porous support material has a maximum air permeability of 90 s/100 cc; and, the porous resin film has a maximum air permeability of 600 s/100 cc; preferably, the air permeability of the porous support material?the air permeability of the porous resin film. According to the source sheet and plate manufacturing method of the present invention, the plate for the stencil printing can be obtained which is superior in the pore block property and in which the thermal deformation of the source sheet during the plate manufacturing is suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam rubber extrusion molded article capable of increasing its expansion ratio and meeting the need for less weight while keeping necessary rigidity. The foam rubber extrusion molded article includes the extrusion molded article resulting from extrusion molding of a foam rubber blend, and innumerable air bubbles present in the extrusion molded article by bubble generation are an approximate ellipsoid shape stretched in the extrusion direction. A stretching ratio of air bubbles which is the ratio of air bubble length in the extrusion direction to air bubble length in the direction perpendicular to the extrusion is 1.1 or more.

Abstract: The invention is directed in part to an article that includes a polymer foam having a surface with surface microstructures, the surface microstructures have at least one extent or dimension of about 10 microns or more, preferably 50 microns or more. A maximum extent (unless it is a continuous rib-like structure) the microstructure is about 300 microns or less, preferably 200 microns or less, and generally a maximum height of 1000 microns or less, preferably 750 microns or less and a minimum height of 200 microns or more, preferably 300 microns or more. The foamed article may be provided in a variety of shapes, including a rod, a cylinder, a sheet, etc. In a preferred embodiment where the foam is provided in the form of a sheet, the foam has a pair of major surfaces, one or both of which can be provided with surface microstructures.

Abstract: A porous insulating film comprising a highly heat resistant resin film having a fine porous structure with a mean pore size of 0.01-5 &mgr;m in at least the center of the film, and a porosity of 15-80%. A laminate is prepared by forming a heat resistant adhesive layer or a conductive metal layer or an inorganic or metal substrate on one or both sides of the porous insulating film or by forming an inorganic or metal substrate on one side of the porous insulating film and a conductive metal layer on the other side.

Abstract: A microporous polyolefin membrane is formed by fine fibrils, comprising (A) a polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight of 5×105 or more or (B) a composition containing component (A), connected to each other, and has micropores of 0.05 to 5 &mgr;m in average pore size and crystal lamellas of component (A) or (B) being in a specific orientation state. The membrane is produced by extruding a solution of component (A) or (B) in a solvent, into a gel-like formed article; thermally setting the article, with or without stretching, at least at the crystal dispersion temperature of component (A) or (B), but at melting point of component (A) or (B) plus 30° C. or lower; and removing the solvent.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making and using thin films of porous silica substrates to synthesize arrays of polymers. Methods are also provided for assaying such polymers on porous silica substrates. The porous silica substrates offer an increase in array density and signal enhancement over conventional flat glass substrates. Examples of polymers that can be synthesized and assayed include biological polymers such as nucleic acids, polynucleotides, polypeptides, and polysaccharides. Arrays of nucleic acids or polynucleotides can be used for a variety of hybridization-based experiments such as nucleic acid sequence analysis, nucleic acid expression monitoring, nucleic acid mutation detection, speciation, effects of drug therapy on nucleic acid expression, among others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-component composite separate membrane and a method for preparing the same, and to a multi-component composite membrane comprising a support layer and active layers, wherein the support layer is located between the active layers.

Abstract: Nanoporous structures are constructed that have hydrophilic regions separated by hydrophobic regions. The porous, hydrophilic regions have reaction sites suitable for use in a bioassay application and have a higher density of reaction sites than that of a non-porous (2-D) surface. The structure may be made by depositing a layer of a matrix material (e.g., an organosilicate) and a porogen, and then crosslinking the matrix material to form a nanohybrid composite structure. The porogen is decomposed to form pores within the matrix material, and a reactive gas phase species (e.g., ozone) is patternwise directed onto a surface of the matrix material. Ultraviolet light (directed through a mask) activates the gas phase species to form a reactive species that then reacts with the matrix material to make it hydrophilic. The porogen may be decomposed thermally or by exposing it to an oxidizing atmosphere in the presence of ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin sheet having a thermoplastic resin expanded layer of which expansion ratio is in the range of 3 to 40 times, and cell wall density ratio is in the range of 2 to 20, said thermoplastic resin sheet having excellent thermal insulation property, and a container being formed from the thermoplastic resin sheet.

Abstract: The invention presents a composite profile for use in the production of windows, doors, facade elements or the like, having inner and outer metallic profiles spaced at a specific distance from each other by a plastic profile. The invention further proposes that the plastic profile contain a surface of a solid, non-porous first plastics material, in a core region, a fine-pored cellular structure of a second plastics material. Additionally, the plastic profile may either be a solid, multilayer profile or a hollow profile. Such plastics profiles are particularly adapted to absorb tensile, bending and/or pressure loads.

Abstract: A semiconductor polishing device having a substantially cylindrical roller body made of polyvinyl acetal with a uniform material porosity having a mean flow pore pressure ranging from about 0.30 PSI to about 0.35 PSI with 80% of its pores ranging from 7 to 40 microns in size coated with a low viscosity adhesive composition of an appropriately formulated aliphatic or aromatic difunctional polyether urethane methacrylate or formulated multifunctional allphatic urethane acrylate and abrasive particles to form an adhesive skin of about 1 micron in thickness. The abrasive particles typically have a particle size ranging from about 0.05 to about 7 microns and a Mohs' hardness of at least about 7.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented polymeric films having a core layer of a voided propylene homopolymer with a density of not more than 0.70 g/cm3, and at least one substantially non-voided layer on each surface of the core layer, the ratio of the combined thicknesses of the non-voided layers on the respective surfaces of the core layer being from 2:1 to 1:1. Films in accordance with the present invention have low curl, particularly after having been printed.

Abstract: A composition comprising a siloxane resin, a silicon compound substantially consisting of silicon, carbon and hydrogen, wherein the number ratio of carbon to silicon atoms forming an —X— bond (wherein X is (C)m (where m is an integer in the range of from 1 to 3), or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group with 9 or less carbon atoms) in the main chain of one molecule is in the range of from 2:1 to 12:1, and a solvent, is subjected to a heat treatment to form a low dielectric constant film. Accordingly, a low dielectric constant film having excellent resistance against chemicals and excellent moisture resistance is provided. A semiconductor integrated circuit having a fast response can be produced by using the film.

Abstract: A porous, low-k dielectric film that has good mechanical properties as well as a method of fabricating the film and the use of the film as a dielectric layer between metal wiring features are provided. The porous, low-k dielectric film includes a first phase of monodispersed pores having a diameter of from about 1 to about 10 nm that are substantially uniformly spaced apart and are essentially located on sites of a three-dimensional periodic lattice; and a second phase which is solid surrounding the first phase. Specifically, the second phase of the film includes (i) an ordered element that is composed of nanoparticles having a diameter of from about 1 to about 10 nm that are substantially uniformly spaced apart and are essentially arranged on sites of a three-dimensional periodic lattice, and (ii) a disordered element comprised of a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 2.8 or less.

Abstract: A polymetaphenylene isophtha lamide-based polymer porous film having a satisfactory porous structure that exhibits excellent gas permeability and heat resistance. It is produced by a process which comprises casting a dope of the polymetaphenylene isophthalamide-based polymer and coagulating it in a coagulating bath. The porous film may also contain inorganic whiskers, and a composite porous film may be formed in combination with a separate thermoplastic polymer film.

Abstract: A fluid control device has very fine pores with an average diameter not greater than 10 nm and provides a large flux. The fluid control device comprises an anodized alumina film having fine pores and a silicon based micro-porous film having very fine pores and made from an AlSi mixed film and the fine pores and the very fine pores are at least partly linked with each other. The fluid control device is prepared from a film including at least an aluminum layer and an AlSi mixed film by forming an anodized alumina film having fine pores by way of an anodization process for the aluminum layer part and also forming a silicon based micro-porous film having very fine pores containing silicon as principal ingredient by way of an anodization process or etching process for the AlSi mixed film. The fluid control device can be used as filter or ultrafilter film that allows fluid and gas to pass through it.