Abstract: The invention relates to microporous polymeric membrane having a good balance of rupture temperature and air permeability. The invention also relates to a battery separator formed by such a microporous membrane, and a battery comprising such a separator. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for making the microporous polymeric membrane, a method for making a battery using such a membrane as a separator, and a method for using such a battery.

Abstract: A multilayer, flexible planar material for delimiting a matrix supply chamber during the production of fiber-reinforced plastic components made of fiber composite semifinished products comprises a multifunction laminate (40), which comprises a diaphragm (41), a textile layer (42), which is laminated on the diaphragm, and a spacer layer (43), which is disposed on the textile layer (42).

Abstract: A prefabricated cover board has a high-density polymer or predominantly polymer material core layer having a density between 4 lbs/ft3 and 25 lbs/ft3. A prefabricated roofing panel composite includes the cover board and an insulation board that has a low-density polymer or predominantly polymer material foam core layer preferably having a density less than 2.5 lbs/ft3. The cover board may have a waterproofing membrane forming the top major surface of the cover board. When making the roofing panel composite, the low-density foam core layer of the insulation board may be formed with the high-density core layer of the cover board being currently or subsequently formed over and bonded to a top major surface of the low-density foam core layer in the same operation or preformed insulation boards may be fed into a production line with the high-density core layer of the cover board being formed over and bonded to top major surfaces of the low-density foam core layers of the insulation boards.

Abstract: A waterproof, vapor-permeable and air-permeable sheet material. The sheet material includes a waterproof microporous polymer substrate and a microporous thermoplastic coating layer attached to the polymer substrate. The thermoplastic coating layer is vapor-permeable and air-permeable. The thermoplastic coating layer is at least partially interpenetrated into pores of the polymer substrate forming an interface that prevents passage of water droplets, while permitting passage of water vapor and air, when a chemical is present on the sheet material that would otherwise cause the polymer substrate to permit passage of water droplets. The interface is resistant to chemical interference with at least the waterproof property of the sheet material.

Abstract: A breathable, semi-permeable, laminate that includes at least one a semi-permeable layer having top and bottom surfaces; at least one microporous liquid impermeable layer bonded to at least one surface of the semi-permeable layer; and at least one textile layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer film preferably comprising two skin layers, each preferably comprising low density polyethylene, two outer core layers, preferably comprising an additive and a styrene block copolymer, and an inner core layer preferably comprising an additive and a styrene block copolymer.

Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: Manufacturing techniques and composite structures that are able to meet increasing demanding requirements for large-scale crystal composites (e.g., greater than 100-200 mm in dimensions) that can be manufactured within reasonable time frames. A method of making an optical composite comprises providing first and second components to be bonded along respective surfaces, treating at least one component over at least a portion of the respective surface, and thereafter, bringing the first and second components into optical contact for bonding along the surface having the treated layer. Treating can include one or more of processing the component to provide a porous interface layer, processing the component to form a pattern of channels on the surface to be bonded, and providing an optical coating on the surface to be bonded.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising a substrate and a nano-porous coating, wherein the reflectivity of the article is less then 2%, and whereby the amount of sodium measured in the coating by XPS is less then 1 wt %, and further to a method of making the article.

Abstract: A prefabricated cover board has a high-density polymer or predominantly polymer material core layer having a density between 6 lbs/ft3 and 25 lbs/ft3. A prefabricated roofing panel composite includes the cover board and an insulation board that has a low-density polymer or predominantly polymer material foam core layer having a density less than 6 lbs/ft3. The cover board may have a waterproofing membrane forming the top major surface of the cover board. When making the roofing panel composite, the low-density foam core layer of the insulation board may be formed with the high-density core layer of the cover board being currently or subsequently formed over and bonded to a top major surface of the low-density foam core layer in the same operation or preformed insulation boards may be fed into a production line with the high-density core layer of the cover board being formed over and bonded to top major surfaces of the low-density foam core layers of the insulation boards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging material for corrosible metallic objects, comprised of a plastic film forming a package outer surface, an inner layer, and an adhesive layer bonding the plastic film to the inner layer, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a volatile corrosion inhibitor and the inner layer has a high permeability for the corrosion inhibitor on the package outer surface as compared to the plastic film. According to the invention the adhesive layer is formed by a chemically binding reaction adhesive.

Abstract: A hydrogen-selective membrane material having a dense inner membrane layer composed of a Group VB alloy and no Pd disposed between two porous outer membrane support layers composed of the same Group VB alloy and no Pd or other noble metal, the amount of the Group VB alloy being greater than about 90 atomic % of each layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of manufacture which includes a substrate, and on at least one surface thereof, a porous coating which has a total thickness in the range of up to about 50 microns and which consists of a plurality of discrete adjacent strata, wherein each discrete stratum is porous, inclusive of porous interfaces, and is fabricated from at least one substance selected from the group consisting of metals and metal oxides. The article is made by vaporizing a metal under vacuum conditions, optionally in an oxidizing atmosphere, at predetermined intervals of time, such that a deposit of a desired total thickness is formed on the substrate as a coating consisting of a plurality of discrete adjacent strata.

Abstract: A fragrance emitting patch including a primary porous layer having a top and a bottom surface, a secondary layer having a top and a bottom surface, a construction adhesive arranged between the primary layer and the secondary layer for securing the primary and secondary layers to one another, the primary layer being provided with a fragrance, and an absolute difference of a Hildebrand solubility parameter of the construction adhesive and the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the fragrance is greater than 1.5.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite material having an advantageous combination of smoke generation, heat release, and mechanical property characteristics. The composite generally comprises a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic core containing discontinuous reinforcing fibers bonded together with one or more thermoplastic resins. The core material may further comprise at least one first skin material applied to a first surface of the core and/or one or more second skin material applied to a second surface of the core material. The thermoplastic core material has a maximum smoke density Ds (4 minutes) of less than 200 as measured in accordance with ASTM E662, a maximum heat release (5 minutes) of less than 65 kW/m2 as measured in accordance with FAA Heat release test FAR 25.853 (a) Appendix F, Part IV (OSU 65/65), and an average total heat release (2 minutes) of less than 65 kW/m2 as measured in accordance with FAA Heat release test FAR 25.853 (a) Appendix F, Part IV (OSU 65/65).

Abstract: A composite membrane and moisture adjustment module using the same is disclosed. The composite membrane includes a moisture-permeable resin layer interposed between porous membranes that constitute a pair; and the mean thickness of the moisture-permeable resin layer is 5 ?m or less.

Abstract: A method for the production of a breathable multilayer synthetic leather with a backing layer of a textile sheet, at least one intermediate layer applied to the backing layer and based on an at least to some extent open-cell whipped polyurethane foam and, applied full-surface to the at least one intermediate layer, an outer layer based on a polyurethane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a composite structural material. A non-solid composite section that is filled with a structural foam that reduces the weight of the composite structural material. A solid composite section that is coupled to the non-solid composite section. The solid composite section is an area for structural attachment for the composite structural material. A region adjoining the non-solid composite section to the composite section is radiused to reduce stress when the structural foam is bonded to the region. The radius in the region prevents delamination and cracking of the structural foam when a load is placed on the composite structural material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite porous membrane suited for a separator for a battery having excellent ion permeability, low pore blocking temperature, and high membrane breakage temperature by compositing resin porous membranes having different melting points (or softening points) without using a termocompression bonding method or a method of directly applying a solution to the substrate by using a composite porous membrane containing a porous membrane A of a resin having a melting point of 150° C. or less and a porous membrane B of a resin having a glass transition temperature of more than 150° C. integrated with the porous membrane A, wherein both a superficial side of the porous membrane B and an interfacial side with the porous membrane A of the porous membrane B have a three-dimensional network structure.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a porous electrically conductive carbon material having interconnected pores in first and second size ranges from 10 ?m to 100 nm and from less than 100 nm to 3 nm and a graphene structure and to diverse uses of the material such as an electrode in a lithium-ion battery and a catalyst support, e.g. for the oxidation of methanol in a fuel cell. The carbon material has been heat treated to effect conversion to non-graphitic carbon with the required degree of order at a temperature in the range from 600° C. to 1000° C. A lithium-ion battery and an electrode for a lithium-ion battery are also claimed.

Abstract: A porous membrane assembly includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a porous membrane substrate having hydrophobic properties. The membrane substrate includes a first side, an opposing second side and a plurality of pores extending therethrough. The membrane substrate also includes a discontinuous layer of an oleophobic coating applied to the first side so that the plurality of pores in the first side are substantially free of the oleophobic coating, and a continuous layer of an amine containing hydrophilic polymer coating applied to the second side of the membrane substrate.

Abstract: A selectively reflective construct, and a method for making the construct, are described. In one embodiment reflectance, transmission and absorption properties may be controlled in multiple electromagnetic bands. A construct is described comprising a) a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a polymeric material and a colorant, and b) a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component.

Abstract: A method of making an article having an improved oleophobic property. The method includes the step of providing a microprous membrane. The method also includes the step of laminating a porous fabric to the microporous membrane to form a laminate with a membrane side and a fabric side. A treatment material is applied to the laminate to provide a treated laminate. The treated laminate has an oil resistance property of at least a number 7 determined by AATCC 118 testing on both the membrane side and the fabric side. The laminate also has an air permeability therethrough of at least 0.01 CFM per square foot determined by ASTM D737 testing.

Abstract: A nanostructure array including a nanoporous template and a masking material disposed on the nanoporous template such that a first number of the plurality of nanopores are fully coated while a second number of the plurality of nanopores are not-fully coated by the masking material is provided. The array includes forming nanostructures within the plurality of nanopores that are not-fully coated by the masking material.

Abstract: A selectively reflective construct, and a method for making the construct, are described. In one embodiment reflectance, transmission and absorption properties may be controlled in multiple electromagnetic bands. A construct is described comprising a) a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a polymeric material and a colorant, and b) a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component which is optionally transparent to radar signal.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane including a support; a first separation layer with a plurality of first nano-sized pores and a first matrix; and a second separation layer having a plurality of second pores respectively corresponding to the plurality of first pores of the first separation layer and a second matrix, and formed on the first separation layer, wherein a density of the plurality of the first pores and the second pores is equal to or greater than 1010/cm2, and a diameter of each of the second pores is less than that of the corresponding first pore, a process of fabricating the same, and a device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane. The device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane can release biopharmaceuticals at a constant rate for a long period of time regardless of the concentration of the biopharmaceuticals including in pharmaceuticals, and high flex and selectivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for imparting topographical or protective features to a substrate by contacting a sheet material comprising a thermosettable layer with a substrate and heating the sheet material to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrathin high-strength flexible sheet that has exceptional appearance, surface smoothness, and feel; and that presents no risk of rubber residues forming even in the case of degradation. An ultrathin flexible sheet is formed from an elastomer composite in which the pores of a porous film (e.g., a film made from stretched porous polytetrafluoroethylene) are filled with an elastomer, and the elastomer layer that covers the surface of the porous film is one micron or less in thickness. Examples of elastomers that may be employed include silicone-based elastomers (e.g., a methyl silicone-based elastomer and a phenyl silicone-based elastomer) and fluorine-based elastomers (e.g., a fluorosilicone elastomer, a fluoroelastomer, and a perfluoroelastomer). It is recommended that part of the surface of the porous film be left exposed. The ultrathin flexible sheet can be made 50 ?m or less in thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a device for gas separation, said device comprising a layer system wherein a functional layer consisting of TiO2 and/or ZrO2 having an average pore diameter of less than 1 nm is applied to at least one side of a carrier layer that is porous throughout. Said carrier layer is preferably between 100 ?m and 1 mm thick and comprises continuous pores with an average pore diameter in the ?m range. The functional layer which is applied directly or by means of at least one intermediate layer comprises continuous pores with an average pore diameter of less than 1 nm, especially less than 0.8 nm. The functional layer can advantageously be embodied as a graduated layer. The invention is especially characterised by the symmetrical structure of the device, in which functional layers are applied to both sides of the carrier layer, optionally by means of respectively at least one intermediate layer.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a process including coating a first microporous layer onto a first decal and curing the first microporous layer and the first decal.

Abstract: The present invention describes chemical protective enclosure comprising a waterproof outer surface comprising an impermeable portion and an air diffusive portion, and further comprising a chemically adsorptive material substantially adjacent the air diffusive portion, wherein there is sufficient diffusion of breathable air into the chemical protective enclosure to sustain life.

Abstract: An optical material having a reflecting membrane, an enhanced reflecting membrane, or an anti-reflecting membrane formed with coating is provided. The optical material includes an optical material matrix, and a first inorganic compound layer and a second inorganic compound layer which are alternately stacked on the optical material matrix, wherein the first inorganic compound layer is formed of a titanium compound having a hydrolysable residue and oilophilic smectite and has a refractive index higher than the refractive index of the optical material matrix, and wherein the second inorganic compound layer includes silicon oxide and has a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the optical material matrix.

Abstract: A garment containing a breathable laminate that is optionally bonded to an outer layer fabric and an optional inner layer fabric. The breathable laminate is constructed from a microporous membrane situated in a face to face relationship with a nanoweb and optionally bonded thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer, microporous membrane having appropriate permeability, pin puncture strength, shutdown temperature, shutdown speed, meltdown temperature, and thickness uniformity. The invention also relates to a battery separator formed by such multi-layer, microporous membrane, and a battery comprising such a separator. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for making the multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane, a method for making a battery using such a membrane as a separator, and a method for using such a battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane having appropriate permeability, pin puncture strength, shutdown temperature, shutdown speed, meltdown temperature, and thickness uniformity. The invention also relates to a battery separator formed by such multi-layer, microporous membrane, and a battery comprising such a separator. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for making the multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane, a method for making a battery using such a membrane as a separator, and a method for using such a battery.

Abstract: A multi-layer, microporous polyethylene membrane having at least three layers comprising (a) a first microporous layer amount of a polyethylene resin and constituting at least both surface layers, and (b) at least one second microporous layer made of a polyethylene resin, a heat-resistant resin having a melting point or glass transition temperature of 150° C. or higher and a filler, and sandwiched by both surface layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particular multi-layer microporous membrane having a good balance of important properties, including excellent electrochemical stability and low heat shrinkage, while maintaining high permeability and heat resistance, with good mechanical strength, compression resistance and electrolytic solution absorption. Of particular importance when used as a battery separator, the present multi-layer microporous membrane exhibits excellent heat shrinkage, melt down temperature and thermal mechanical properties, i.e. low maximum shrinkage in the molten state. The multi-layer microporous membrane of the present invention is manufactured by layering, such as for example by coextrusion, one or more microporous membrane first layers and one or more microporous membrane second layers, such as on one or both sides of a first layer. The invention further relates to battery separators comprising the multi-layer microporous membrane and batteries utilizing the battery separators.

Abstract: Polymer membranes that include a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinylamine), which membranes are non-porous or are porous with pores having a median pore size of 300 nm or less. Also disclosed are polymer membranes which include a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinylamine) and which also include a second polyamine wherein the poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinylamine) and the second polyamine are crosslinked with one another.

Abstract: Fibrous monolith composites having architectures that provide increased flaw insensitivity, improved hardness, wear resistance and damage tolerance and methods of manufacture thereof are provided for use in dynamic environments to mitigate impact damage and increase wear resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microporous membrane which comprises polyethylene, the microporous membrane having a differential pore volume curve with an area under the curve over the range of pore diameters of from about 100 nm to about 1,000 nm that is 25% or more of a total area under the curve over the range of pore diameters of from about 10 nm to about 1,000 nm.

Abstract: A laminated support for pressure-relief comprising an upper layer of visco-elastic foam, a middle layer of visco-elastic foam having a greater hardness, and a bottom layer of highly resilient polyurethane foam. These layers are sandwiched between two layers of reticulated filter polyurethane foam.

Abstract: Methods for filtering particles from a fluid are disclosed, wherein an array of microstructures defining respective microchannels having respective minimum widths are used to separate the fluid from particles to be filtered. The fluid flows through the minimum widths into the microchannels defined between adjacent microstructures. The particles to be filtered are prevented from passing through the respective minimum widths, resulting in filtration of those particles from the fluid. The microchannels can be provided with gradient characteristics to separate particles in the fluid according to size.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet is disclosed including a flexible substrate and an adhesive layer formed on at least one of the main surfaces of the flexible substrate. The adhesive sheet further includes a plurality of microscopic holes connecting the opposing surfaces of the sheet and being generally perpendicular to them. Such adhesive sheet is permeable by air and allows good bubble escapability when the sheet is applied to an article. Sufficient permeability of the sheet to air is achieved with microscopic size holes installed in modest areal densities, hence the appearance and functionality of the film surface are not significantly adversely impacted. One intended use of the subject invention is for tinting films used to reduce light transmission in windows for use in buildings and automobiles. In this application visual appearance of the film is paramount.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the development of a nanoporous alumina template comprising a multilayer metal film structure that allows for the in situ removal of an electrically insulating barrier layer, thus exposing an electrode at the pore bases. An exemplary multilayer thin film precursor is developed herein which contains an aluminum anodization layer, a diffusion barrier and an electrode. Aluminum anodization in an acidic electrolyte solution with a subsequent voltage pulse sequence produces a nanoporous alumina template with a barrier free conductive electrode surface. The nanoporous template of the present invention provides an efficient means for electrodeposition of nanomaterials.

Abstract: An iridium oxide (IrOx) nanowire neural sensor array and associated fabrication method are provided. The method provides a substrate with a conductive layer overlying the substrate, and a dielectric layer overlying the conductive layer. The substrate can be a material such as Si, SiO2, quartz, glass, or polyimide, and the conductive layer is a material such as ITO, SnO2, ZnO, TiO2, doped ITO, doped SnO2, doped ZnO, doped TiO2, TiN, TaN, Au, Pt, or Ir. The dielectric layer is selectively wet etched, forming contact holes with sloped walls in the dielectric layer and exposing regions of the conductive layer. IrOx nanowire neural interfaces are grown from the exposed regions of the conductive layer. The IrOx nanowire neural interfaces each have a cross-section in a range of 0.5 to 10 micrometers, and may be shaped as a circle, rectangle, or oval.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: a semiconductor wafer; at least one porous layer in the semiconductor wafer; an epitaxial semiconductor layer directly or indirectly on the porous layer; and a glass substrate bonded to the epitaxial semiconductor layer via electrolysis.

Abstract: A method for glass-blowing on a microscopic level includes the steps of defining a plurality of microholes in a wafer, disposing a sheet of thermally formable material onto the wafer covering the microholes, heating the sheet of thermally formable material until a predetermined degree of plasticity is achieved, applying self-induced fluidic pressure by expansion of the heated trapped gas in the microholes to the sheet of thermally formable material, while the sheet is still plastic, and simultaneously forming a plurality of blown micro-objects in the sheet on the wafer by means of continued application of pressure for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A porous membrane assembly includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a porous membrane substrate having hydrophobic properties. The membrane substrate includes a first side, an opposing second side and a plurality of pores extending therethrough. The membrane substrate also includes a discontinuous layer of an oleophobic coating applied to the first side so that the plurality of pores in the first side are substantially free of the oleophobic coating, and a continuous layer of an amine containing hydrophilic polymer coating applied to the second side of the membrane substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a microporous membrane having a microstructure is described. Dope and coagulant formulations are simultaneously cast, where the coagulant formulation diffuses into the dope formulation through an interface effecting a phase inversion forming a microstructure.

Abstract: A nanoporous filter comprises a porous support having an essentially flat surface on which is deposited a nanoporous layer having a substantially regular pore structure and uniform pore size within the range from 1 to 50 nm.