Abstract: A flexible circuit comprising a liquid crystal polymer film having through-holes and related shaped voids formed therein using an etchant composition comprising a solution in water of from about 35 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of an alkali metal salt; and from about 10 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of a solubilizer dissolved in the solution to provide the etchant composition suitable for etching the liquid crystal polymer at a temperature from about 50° C. to about 120° C.

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 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: An anti-reflection film comprises a low refractive index layer. The low refractive index layer comprises a polymer binder and micro particles. The micro particles are so deposited to superpose at least one micro particle on another micro particle, to form micro voids surrounded by the micro particles. The micro particles have a mean particle size of 5 to 200 nm. A display device provided with the anti-reflection film is also disclosed.

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: A process for producing an alumina sol, which comprises stirring a dispersion of an alumina hydrate having a solid content of from 1 to 40 wt % at a pH of from 7 to 12 with an effective consumptive power of at least 0.5 kW/m3 for aggregation treatment, and then adding an acid thereto for peptization treatment.

Abstract: Organic, low density microcellular materials (“LDMMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These LDMMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing LDMMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of an 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 LDMMs.

Abstract: A novel class of carbon fiber precursor derived carbon foams and a method for their production are described. A new class of C/C composites comprising unidirectional or woven carbon fabrics in a matrix of the novel carbon foams, and the method for their production are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-cellular laminated polyester film comprising:

Abstract: A porous material is disclosed, made of a semi IPN type polymer alloy of a crosslinked polymer (A) obtained by the crosslinking polymerization of a crosslinking-polymerizable vinyl monomer and/or oligomer (a) with a non-crosslinked polymer (D) which is soluble in a solvent (B) capable of dissolving said monomer and/or oligomer (a) therein and subjecting said crosslinked polymer (A) to gelation but is insoluble in a coagulating solution (C) which is compatible with said solvent (B) but doesn't subject said crosslinked polymer (D) to gelation. A porous material excellent in mechanical strength as well as in heat resistance can be prepared. Various functional groups can be introduced into the surface of the porous material. Further, the pore diameter can be easily controlled.

Abstract: An optically clear protective thin film having covalent chemical bonds on a molecular level between organic polymer and in situ generated silica molecules is formed from a hydrolyzed coating solution of tetraalkyl orthosilicate, epoxyalkylalkoxy silanes, (math)acryloxyalkylalkoxy silanes and solvent.

Abstract: A porous polyester film containing a polyester resin as a main starting material is provided. By optimizing the melt viscosity of a void-forming agent to be added, the ratio of the number of voids to film thickness can be set to 0.20 void/&mgr;m or above. As a result a lightweight polyester film can be provided, which has a high strength, superior processability and high reflectivity to visible light. This film is suitable as a material for various reflectors.

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 foamed rubber obtainable by a process including the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention provides microcellular articles, as well as methods and apparatuses for producing polymeric foams, and, in particular microcellular material. The methods involve forming a gas blanket within a polymer processing die that prevents contact between the polymer melt and surfaces of the die during extrusion. In one set of embodiments, the gas blanket is provided by gas diffusing out of surfaces of the nucleated polymer material. In other embodiments, the gas blanket is formed by introducing a gas from an external source into the polymer flow channel within the die. The dies, according to the invention, are specially configured to generate and to support the gas blanket. The extruded foams are free of surface defects that, typically, arise from contact between the polymer melt and the die surfaces.

Abstract: An allergen-barrier fabric includes a tightly-constructed fabric substrate, woven from 0 to 45% continuous synthetic filament yarns and 55 to 100% natural or synthetic spun yarns. The fabric substrate is finished to produce a fabric with a mean pore size of 4 to 10 microns, an air permeability of 0.5-25 cfm, a mean fabric flexibility of 0.5 to 6.5 grams (bending resistance), and a moisture vapor permeability in excess of 800 g/m2/24 hours. This fabric provides a barrier to mite-induced allergen particles. Various additional finishes can be included on the fabric. For example, an antimicrobial finish may be provided on the fabric to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against mold and mildew. As another alternative, a fluorochemical finish can be provided to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against fluid stains.

Abstract: Breathable microporous films are provided having controlled regional breathability with thick high WVTR regions and thinner low WVTR regions. The zoned breathable microporous films can be made by selectively applying heat and/or pressure to specific regions the microporous film such as by feeding a microporous film through a pair of heated nip rollers with one of the rolls having a raised surface area or by applying a focused stream of hot air. Monolayer microporous films and multilayer films having at least one microporous layer can be treated to impart zoned breathability to the film.

Abstract: Materials in the form of foam sheet comprising destructured or complexed starch expanded as a continuous phase, having a density lying between 20 and 150 kg/m3, cell dimensions in the range lying between 25 and 700 &mgr;m and with a cell distribution such that 80% of them have a dimension lying between 20 and 400 &mgr;m in the absence of stretching.

Abstract: A polymeric foam article is comprised mainly of homopolymeric polypropylene, or unimodal polypropylene. The polymeric article can be microcellular, and can be formed into a drinking straw.

Abstract: A heat absorbing coating having a plurality of micro-capsules each being an encapsulant shell and a heat absorbing material within the shell, and a carrier adherable to a substrate and throughout which the micro-capsules are dispersed. The heat absorbing material is preferably a phase change material and can be non-limitedly chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polywax, and combinations thereof. Shell material can be a metal such as copper, for example, or a polymer. The carrier can be a sprayable polymer mix which provides significant efficacy in uniform application to a substrate. An inventive substrate structure, such as an aircraft structure for example, has thereon the above-defined coating in an amount sufficient to absorb a sufficient amount of heat from the substrate to substantially inhibit thermal erosion in normal operating environments.

Abstract: Articles including material laminated to a surface of a microcellular substrate are disclosed, as well as methods of making these articles. Microcellular polymeric material in sheet form can be extruded and continuously fed from the extruded to a lamination system, or microcellular sheet can be produced and stored, and then fed into a lamination system.

Abstract: A polymeric foam article is comprised mainly of homopolymeric polypropylene, or unimodal polypropylene. The polymeric article can be microcellular, and can be formed into a drinking straw.

Abstract: A highly adsorbent, temperature-resistant monolithic activated carbon article is obtained by forming an aqueous emulsion of a polymeric binder, combining the resulting aqueous emulsion with wet, activated carbon particles to produce a slip mixture, forming the obtained slip mixture into a shaped article, and thereafter curing the shaped article.

Abstract: Coated porous materials that exhibit air permeability and repellency to liquids as well as coated, nonporous breathable materials are described as suitable for making ileostomy vent filters, transdermal drug substrates, agricultural and medical apparel, as well as paint and chemical protective garments. The coating composition is applied as a curable composition containing cross-linkable melamine, polyol and fluorocarbon alcohol precursors. Hydrophilic coatings may be prepared by incorporating a polyvalent salt with the curable composition.