Abstract: There is provided an oil absorbing wipe material suitable for wiping a users' skin or hair and a method for their manufacture. The wipes comprise at least an oil absorbing porous film-like substrate of a crystalline thermoplastic material with at least 40 percent by weight of a nonparticulate filler. Generally, the wipe changes transparency or color (a change in L* of about 10 or more) when loaded with oil to provide an oil absorption indication functionality. The wipe is capable of forming a compact ball by crumpling to a diameter of 2.5 cm or less.

Abstract: A diamond foam article comprises diamond deposited material on a substrate having an open contiguous structure that permits the flow of fluids in at least one direction through the material. Methods for forming a diamond foam article comprise providing a foam substrate; preparing the foam substrate for diamond deposition; and depositing diamond material on the foam substrate by one of several diamond deposition methods.

Abstract: The invention is a thin, occlusive adhesive tape comprised of hydrocolloid powders dispersed in an elastomeric matrix and suitable for attachment to human skin.

Abstract: The invention concerns the manufacture of complex metallic or metallized porous structures, wherein the electroplating metal over the entire developed surface is preceded by a specific pre-metallization of the basic structure. The pre-metallization is obtained by depositing a conductive polymer, which is deposited on the entire developed surface of the structure by the steps of an oxidizing pre-treatment of the structure, depositing in the liquid phase, a monomer having a polymerized form that is electrically conductive, and polymerizing by oxidation-doping of the monomer. The structures according to the invention are particularly intended for use as electrodes for the electrolysis of liquid effluents, as electrode supports for electrochemical generators, as catalyst supports, filtration media, phonic insulation, electromagnetic and nuclear protection structures, or for other applications.

Abstract: A padding element (10) for an interior component of a motor vehicle has a molded substrate (12) and a skin (14). The molded substrate (12) defines an external surface (16) having an inherent tackiness sufficient to adhere the skin (14) to the molded substrate (12).

Abstract: A non-single crystalline semiconductor material includes coordinatively irregular structures characterized by distorted chemical bonding, reduced dimensionality and novel electronic properties. A process for forming the material permits variation of the size, concentration and spatial distribution of coordinatively irregular structures. The electronic properties of the material can be changed by controlling the characteristics of the coordinatively irregular structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound absorbent thin-layer laminate consisting of at least one open-cell support layer and a second open-cell fibre layer. The support layer consists either of a first fibre layer, especially a low-density non-woven material with a mass per unit area of less than 2,000 g/m2 and a thickness of less than 50 mm, or of an open-cell foam layer, especially an ultra-light plastic foam with a density of between 16 and 32 kg/m3 and a thickness of at least 6 mm. The second fibre layer is made of melt-blown microfibres, whose fibre diameter is approximately 1 to 10 &mgr;m, especially 2 to 5 &mgr;m. The air resistance of the thin-layer laminate is in the range of 500<Rt<4,000 Ns/m3. According to the method for producing the thin-layer laminate a microfibre layer of melt-blown microfibres with a diameter of between 1 and 10 &mgr;m, preferably between 2 and 5 &mgr;m, is fixed to the support layer by means of a spray-on adhesive.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is disclosed, comprising a support having provided thereon a magnetic layer containing a ferromagnetic powder and a binder as main components, wherein the ferromagnetic powder is a hexagonal ferrite powder having an average tabular diameter of from 15 to 40 nm, the perpendicular factor of squareness ratio SQ of the magnetic layer is from 0.1 to 0.55, the specific surface area and the total pore volume per weight of the magnetic layer by a nitrogen adsorption method are from 0.1 to 50 m2/g and from 0.001 to 1 ml/g, respectively, and the magnetic layer thickness is from 0.02 to 0.3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A resin composition having a high adhesion between a resin layer and a metallic layer as well as an excellent durability, a process for producing the same, and an electrophotographic fixing member are provided. In the resin composition, a metallic layer is provided on a surface of a resin layer having a porous structure at least on the surface.

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 flat-panel display is fabricated according to a process in which a liquid-containing film (92, 116, 124, 132, 144, or 166) is formed over a substrate (80). In addition to suitable liquid, the liquid-containing film contains oxide or/and hydroxide. Liquid is removed from the liquid-containing film to convert it into a solid porous film (82 or 150) having (a) a porosity of at least 10% along an exposed face of the film, (b) an average resistivity of 108-1014 ohm-cm at 25° C., and (c) an average thickness of no more than 20 &mgr;m. A spacer (24) formed with at least a segment of the substrate and overlying solid porous film is positioned between opposing first and second plate structures (20 and 22) of the display. The second plate structure (22) emits light upon receiving electrons emitted by the first plate structure (20).

Abstract: A process for the removal of trace metals from a hydrocarbon stream includes contacting the hydrocarbon stream with an absorbent material comprising antimony pentoxide supported on an absorbent substrate. The hydrocarbon product is then withdrawn from the absorbent material to provide a purified product in which 99.5 wt. % of the trace metal has been removed. Preparation of the antimony pentoxide-promoted absorbent entails treating a particulate porous substrate with an aqueous solution of antimony pentoxide. The absorbent substrate has an average particle size within the range of 1-5 mm and an average pore volume within the range of 0.7-0.85 cubic centimeters per gram. At least 80% of the surface area of the support is contained within the internal pore volume of the absorbent. The absorbent support is contacted with the antimony pentoxide solution.

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 &mgr;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 microporous stencil sheet for use in stencil printing and methods for making stencil master using this microporous stencil sheet are disclosed herein. The microporous stencil sheet is for use in stencil printing using a low-viscosity ink with a viscosity ranging from 0.001 to 1 Pa·s, comprises an inelastic resin film and has an air permeability ranging from 1 to 600 seconds and a thickness ranging from 1 to 100 &mgr;m. The methods for making stencil master using this microporous stencil sheet comprise the step of closing the micropores of the stencil sheet in a non-printing portion of a desired printed image.

Abstract: A laminar structure upon a substrate is formed from a) a lattice layer comprising DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) segments arranged to form cells of the lattice layer, and b), at least one nanoparticle being disposed within each cell of the lattice layer. The nanoparticles are preferably of substantially uniform diameter not exceeding 50 nanometers. A coating may be applied to adhere the the particles to the substrate and to maintain their substantially uniform spaced-apart relationship. The DNA lattice layer is fabricated using known automated synthetis methods, and is designed to contain specific nucleotide base sequences which cause the DNA to form an ordered array of openings, or lattice cells, by self-assembly. Self-assembly of the DNA lattice may be at an air-liquid interface, or in solution. A preferred embodiment is a magnetic storage medium in which the particles are magnetic particles with diameters in the range of 5-20 nm.

Abstract: The display sheet comprises: a sheet-like member, which comprises a support, such as a sheet of paper and a plastic film, and a 30 to 500 micron thick flexible microporous suction sheet which is disposed on a back surface side of the support and in which an infinite number of fine and flexible depression pores 5 to 300 microns in diameter are formed; and a release film, which releasably covers a surface of the microporous suction sheet to protect the microporous suction sheet, is 10 to 100 micron thick and has a smooth surface.

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: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. These materials are characterized as having a dielectric constant (&kgr;) a dielectric constant of about 3.7 or less; a normalized wall elastic modulus (E0′), derived in part from the dielectric constant of the material, of about 15 GPa or greater; and a metal impurity level of about 500 ppm or less. Low dielectric materials are also disclosed having a dielectric constant of less than about 1.95 and a normalized wall elastic modulus (E0′), derived in part from the dielectric constant of the material, of greater than about 26 GPa.

Abstract: Non-embossed film products permeable to moisture vapor and which act as barriers to liquid are made by a high speed method. The microporous products have high moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTRs) on the order of about 2000 to about 4500 gms/m2/day according to ASTM E96E.

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: The invention concerns the application of a flexible melamine foam (7) having an indentation hardness stabilised to less than 300 N for 40% compression ratio, in the production of cushioning (2c, 3c, 4c). It also concerns items of upholstery (2a, 3a, 4a) for the seat base, back, headrest and legrest of a seat (1), and any other part of a seat, bed or any other element designed for comfort.

Abstract: The substrate of the invention is coated with a mesoporous film. It is characterized in that chemical molecules, especially hydrophobic/oleophobic molecules, are bonded to the mesoporous film. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing this substrate, in which: the substrate is brought into contact with a composition formed from organic assembling groups and from a precursor for the mesoporous material; the precursor precipitates around the assembling groups and polymerizes; and the assembling groups are removed. This process is distinguished by the fact that chemical molecules, such as hydrophobic/oleophobic molecules, are then brought into contact with the mesoporous film. The invention also relates to glazing, for buildings or transportation vehicles, which includes this substrate.

Abstract: Methods of forming a polymeric structure having a plurality of cells therein that include contacting a polymeric material that includes a first phase and a second phase with a composition comprising carbon dioxide to form the polymeric structure having a plurality of cells therein are described. Polymeric materials and microelectronic devices formed by such methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention refers to a shoe press belt (1) for use in shoe presses of a paper machine, having a support (2) and a liquid-impermeable belt layer (3, 5) which has an inner layer (3) and an outer layer (5), the outer layer (5) having a porous structure and the porous structure being formed exclusively from cavities (8, 12, 14) open toward the outer side; and is characterized in that the outer layer (5) is made of an unfoamed material.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulosic particle body comprising interconnected cellulosic small particles with small interparticle spaces and to a method of producing said cellulosic particle body which comprises dispersing cellulosic small particles in an alkaline medium and contacting the resulting suspension with a coagulating solution. In this specification, the above technology will be referred to as the first invention.

Abstract: An acoustical panel formed from a fibrous, open-celled material comprised of up to about 50% by weight fibers, between about 3% and about 10% by weight binder, between about 20% and about 75% by weight filler and about 0.01% to about 2.0% by weight surfactant. Additionally, voids are formed within the panel having an average distribution size diameter of about 50 &mgr;m to about 250 &mgr;m. The acoustic panel achieves very high sound absorption properties without the need for additional surface perforations, while maintaining a very high surface hardness.

Abstract: A superabsorbent composition comprising a superabsorbent material and an elastomer. The superabsorbent composition has a two-phase morphology resulting in one of the superabsorbent material and elastomer being dispersed as aggregates in the other continuous material. The superabsorbent composition has a low glass transition temperature. The low glass transition temperature gives the superabsorbent composition many beneficial properties. This invention also discloses novel superabsorbent particles, fibers, films, and microporous films. Also disclosed in this invention are personal care articles comprising such particles, fibers, films and microporous films.

Abstract: A continuous method for making foams having uniform and/or small cell sizes and articles made with these foams are described. The method allows for adjusting or controlling cell size and cell size distribution by controlling temperature and/or blowing agent concentration. The foams feature small and/or uniform cell sizes and may be comprised of amorphous thermoplastic polymers, pressure sensitive adhesive compositions, and immiscible thermoplastic polymer compositions. A method for coextruding the foams is also described.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive stencil including a thermoplastic resin film on which a porous resin layer and a porous reinforcing layer are formed in succession. A porous fibrous layer may be disposed between the porous resin layer and the porous reinforcing layer.

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: Silica-based low dielectric constant materials having three-dimensional network structures containing siloxane backbones which comprise SiO4 tetrahedron structural units, as well as their production and use. The materials can be applied as interlayer dielectrics for semiconductor elements and the like.

Abstract: An improved foam cushion tape comprises a compressible polyurethane foam layer having a first side and an opposite second side; a composite reinforcing film comprising an anchoring layer and a reinforcing layer, wherein the second side of the polyurethane foam is disposed on the anchoring layer of the reinforcing film; a first adhesive disposed on the first side of the compressible polyurethane foam; and a second adhesive disposed on the reinforcing layer of the composite reinforcing film. The anchoring layer comprises at least one non-olefinic polymer, such as polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyurethane, nylon, or the like.

Abstract: A continuous method for making foams having uniform and/or small cell sizes and articles made with these foams are described. The method allows for adjusting or controlling cell size and cell size distribution by controlling temperature and/or blowing agent concentration. The foams feature small and/or uniform cell sizes and may be comprised of amorphous thermoplastic polymers, pressure sensitive adhesive compositions, and immiscible thermoplastic polymer compositions. A method for coextruding the foams is also described.

Abstract: Spherical high-performance adsorbents, which are manufactured from polymer resin by water vapour activation with an activation time of at least 6 hours. The adsorbents have a pronounced microstructure in the range of 0 to 40 Å pore diameter and an overall micropore volume of at least 0.6 cm3/g. A substantial increase in the adsorption capacity for gases and vapours is achieved which is also represented by the very favourable ratio of weight capacity to volume capacity of upto 2 to 1. The spherical high-performance adsorbents with microstructure can be used for many purposes, in particular, textile fabrics for the adsorption of chemical warfare agents and toxic gases and vapours, in adsorption refrigerating plants in combination with the refrigerating agent methanol, in motor vehicle filters and biofilters.

Abstract: Provided is a porous film which is excellent in a tear strength and has a low heat shrinkage.

Abstract: A product for the selective and rapid removal of toxic chlorocarbon compounds from fluid streams is provided in the form of a self supporting porous composite structure containing a multitude of water absorbent particles of cellulosic origin interbonded by hydrophilic microporous polyvinylchloride (PVC). A large number of the composite structures may be confined within a vessel adapted to receive a flow of fluid containing chlorocarbon compounds sought to be removed.

Abstract: Nanoporous silicone resins and silicone resin films having low dielectric constants and a method for preparing such nanoporous silicone resins. The silicone resin comprises the reaction product of a mixture comprising (A) 15-70 mol % of a tetraalkoxysilane described by formula Si(OR1)4,  where each R1 is an independently selected alkyl group comprising 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, (B) 12 to 60 mol % of a hydrosilane described by formula HSiX3,  where each X is an independently selected hydrolyzable substituent, (C) 15 to 70 mole percent of an organotrialkoxysilane described by formula R2Si(OR3)3,  where R2 is a hydrocarbon group comprising about 8 to 24 carbon atoms or a substituted hydrocarbon group comprising a hydrocarbon chain having about 8 to 24 carbon atoms and each R3 is an independently selected alkyl group comprising 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; in the presence of (D) water, (E) hydrolysis catalyst, and (F) organic solvent for the reaction product.

Abstract: A foamed rubber having a plurality of microvoids comprising mticrospheres incorporated therein characterized in that the microspheres are expanded during heating and vulcanization of the rubber and the volume fraction of the expanded microspheres is 35-80 % in the foamed rubber. The microspheres may be thermoplastic microspheres filled with a volatile liquid. The microspheres may have an unexpanded diameter of 5 to 10 &mgr;m and an expanded di ameter of between 300 &mgr;m and 1000 &mgr;m. Also disclosed is a method of manufacture of a rubber comprising the steps of. providing a rubber; incorporating additives; adding and mixing microspheres into the rubber composition; and heating the rubber to effect vulcanization. The vulcanization of the rubber may be delayed to allow for expansion of expandable microspheres during heating, such a delay may be achieved by adding a delayed action accelerator or a retarder to the rubber.

Abstract: A sheet structure obtained by separately producing an artificial leather base material and a leather-like skin, and combining the two together in simple equipment. An artificial leather having air permeability is produced as follows. A film material is filled in concavities of a transfer sheet having a convexo-concave shape reverse to a leather-like convexo-concave surface to form a perforated film layer. On the perforated film layer is formed a porous layer formed of open-cell foam. The porous layer is formed by coating an aqueous polyurethane dispersion solution containing base resin, which is foamed through agitation, followed by drying. The resultant sheet structure is thermally laminated on a desired base material. The base material is composed of a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a knit, or the like, impregnated with foamed polyurethane as necessary. A thermally-fused open-cell foamed layer may additionally be formed on the porous layer to enhance flexibility and peeling strength.

Abstract: A foamed thermoplastic resin fiber reinforced part is provided. The part comprises a member formed of thermoplastic resin, a plurality of cells and a plurality of reinforcing fibers dispersed within the member, and a skin formed on at least one exterior surface of the member. The skin is substantially devoid of cells. Here, the reinforcing fibers have a length of about 25 mm in an amount of about 10% by weight of the foamed thermoplastic resin fiber reinforced part. At least one of a cell density and a cell size of the plurality of cells is inversely proportional to the amount of the reinforcing fibers dispersed within the member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous film having practically sufficient mechanical strength and excellent in ion permeability. Disclosed is a porous film made of thermoplastic resin having micropores, wherein the micropores are formed from a 3-dimensional network made of trunk fibrils extending in one direction of the film and branch fibrils through which the trunk fibrils are connected to one another, and the density of the branch fibrils formed is higher than the density of the trunk fibrils formed, and the average pore diameter d (&mgr;m) of the micropores as determined by a bubble-point method (ASTM F316-86) and the average pore radius r (&mgr;m) of the micropores as determined by mercury porosimetry (JIS K1150) satisfy the relationship 1.20≦2 r/d≦1.70.

Abstract: A transfer laminating element for laminating ink jet prints comprising a flexible, polymeric support having thereon a porous, fusible, transferable protection layer comprising fusible, thermoplastic polymeric particles in a polymeric binder, the protection layer having a thickness of between about 2 and about 100 &mgr;m and a particle-to-binder ratio of between about 95:5 and about 70:30, the thermoplastic polymeric particles having a particle size of less than about 10 &mgr;m and a Tm or softening point of greater than about 50° C. and the polymeric binder having a Tg of less than about 20° C.

Abstract: Polymeric materials having a plurality of cells formed therein are described. The polymeric materials include a foamed layer comprising a plurality of uniform microcells, nanocells or combinations thereof in a closed cell network, a transition layer positioned adjacent to the foamed layer, and at least one unfoamed outer layer positioned adjacent to the transition layer. The foamed layer may be present in a volume ranging from about 80 to about 99 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, the transition layer may present in a volume ranging from about 0 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, and the at least one outer layer may be present in a volume ranging from about 0.01 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material. Methods of making such polymeric materials are also described, as are apparatus for providing foamed polymeric materials.

Abstract: Porous inorganic silica foam compositions are derived from water soluble silicate precursors and swollen non-ionic polymer templates are described. The compositions are useful as catalyst supports and as catalysts in hydrocarbon cracking and organic reactions, among other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous materials, for transporting liquids from a reservoir in a vapor dispensing device which addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art, by selecting pore sizes and void volume ratios of the various wicking materials to fall within an effective range to obtain effective control of liquid delivery. For example, in accordance various aspects of the present invention, a porous polymeric wick is comprised of various polymeric materials having pore sizes less than about 250 microns and void volume ratios from about 25 to about 60%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved composite panel that is suitable for architectural and display applications and an advantageous method for making the composite panel. The composite panel comprises a foamed plastic core and two metallic skin layers bonded to the plastic core. The composite panel exhibits an effective bond strength sufficient to prevent peeling of the skin layers under normal use conditions, at least one visually flat surface substantially free of surface defects, and a stiffness to weight ratio of at least about 500 lbf-in/lbm/ft2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoporous dielectric films and to a process for their manufacture. A substrate having a plurality of raised lines on its surface is provided with a relatively high porosity, low dielectric constant, silicon containing polymer composition positioned between the raised lines and a relatively low porosity, high dielectric constant, silicon containing composition positioned on the lines.

Abstract: A wall or panel has a thin concrete layer with a cross-sectional contour having protrusions and indentations forming other objects, such as stone work, brick or wood. A reinforcement layer may be affixed to the concrete layer to provide tensile strength and impact resistance to the concrete layer. A foam layer is affixed to the reinforcement layer to further reinforce the concrete layer, and so that the wall or panel is light weight. A second concrete layer or a rigid backing layer may be disposed opposite the concrete layer so that the foam is disposed therebetween. A method for forming the wall or panel includes spraying the concrete onto a mold surface which has indentations and protrusions for forming the other objects. The reinforcement layer is sprayed onto the cured concrete layer. The mold is closed and foam is introduced into the mold.

Abstract: A structure that is suitable for partial or full use in a spacer of a flat-panel display. The structure may be formed with a porous body having a face along which multiple primary pores extend into the porous body. A coating consisting primarily of carbon and having a highly uniform thickness overlies the porous body's face, extending along the primary pores to coat their surfaces and converting the primary pores into further pores. The coating can be created by removing non-carbon material from carbon-containing species provided along the pores. A solid porous film whose thickness is normally no more than 20 &mgr;m has a resistivity of 108-1014 ohm-cm. A spacer for a flat-panel display contains a support body and an overlying, normally porous, layer whose resistivity is greater parallel to a face of the support body than perpendicular to the body's face.