Abstract: The invention discloses a carbon nanotube device, comprising a substrate, a catalyst layer formed on the substrate, a porous capping layer formed on the catalyst layer, and a carbon nanotube formed on the porous capping layer. A wafer for growing a carbon nanotube comprises a substrate, a catalyst layer formed on the substrate, and a porous capping layer formed on the catalyst layer, with carbon nanotube growning on the porous capping layer.

Abstract: A laminated porous film having at least two porous layers layered one upon another. One porous layer consists of a resin layer containing a polypropylene resin. The other layer is a heat-resistant layer consisting of a resin composition whose crystal fusion peak temperature is higher than that of the resin composition of the layer containing the polypropylene resin. The laminated porous film has a ? activity and/or a ? crystal generation power.

Abstract: A ceramic member in which the metal layers with high void ratio are sufficiently sintered to lower a residue of resin is produced. The method for manufacturing a ceramic member which comprises a step of forming a stacked compact from a plurality of metallic paste layers containing a metal component M1 that are stacked one on another via ceramic green sheets, and a step of firing the stacked compact, wherein at least one of plural metallic paste layers is formed as a second metallic paste layer that has the mass percentage X higher than that of the metallic paste layer that adjoin therewith in the stacking direction and a ceramic powder is contained in the second metallic paste layer in the step of forming the stacked compact, the mass percentage X being the proportion of the metal component M1 to the total metal content in the metallic paste layer.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide foaming polypropylene resin compositions that are suited for injection foam molding, have excellent balance between flowability and melt tension, are foamable at high expansion ratio, and can give lightweight molded foams having excellent appearance and mechanical strength. Another object is to provide injection-molded foams using the compositions. A foaming polypropylene resin composition of the invention includes: 50 to 90 parts by weight of a high-molecular weight component-containing impact polypropylene (AB); 10 to 30 parts by weight of a rubber component (C); and 0 to 20 parts by weight of an inorganic filler (D) (wherein the total of (AB), (C) and (D) is 100 parts by weight); and the high-molecular weight component-containing impact polypropylene (AB) contains 4.5 to 31.

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

Abstract: Composite cushioning structures with spatially variable cushioning properties and related materials and methods for producing same are disclosed. In one embodiment, gradient property foam (GPF) is provided and comprised of a two or more phase composite cushioning structure comprised of a spatially variable disposition of one or more second non-solid phase cushioning component into a first solid phase cellular cushioning component to control the local cushioning properties of the final composite cushioning structure. The second cushioning component(s) can be selected to exhibit other cushioning properties when in solid form from the cushioning properties of the first cellular cushioning component in this embodiment. In one embodiment, the second cushioning component(s) can undergo a transition from the non-solid phase into a solid phase within the first cellular cushioning component to form a bond with the first cellular cushioning component to form the composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: A process for producing a cross-linked foamed molded article using a lower mold having a tray-shaped recessed portion and an upper mold capable of closing the tray-shaped recessed portion, the process comprising the following steps: (1) a step in which a thermoplastic resin sheet (A) comprising a blowing agent and a crosslinking agent and a thermoplastic resin sheet (B) comprising a blowing agent and a crosslinking agent and differing in resin composition from the thermoplastic resin sheet (A) are stacked in the tray-shaped recessed portion and the upper mold and the lower mold are clamped to fill the tray-shaped recessed portion with the thermoplastic resin sheet (A) and the thermoplastic resin sheet (B); (2) a step in which the molds clamped are pressed and heated; and (3) a step in which the molds are opened to obtain a foamed molded article.

Abstract: A refractory metal composite article includes a refractory metal ceramic section and a refractory metal ceramic coating disposed directly adjacent to the refractory metal ceramic section. The refractory metal ceramic section and the refractory metal ceramic coating form a composite porous matrix. Each of the refractory metal ceramic section and the refractory metal ceramic coating includes at least one of a refractory metal carbide, a refractory metal silicide, or a refractory metal boride. A solid filler is disposed within pores of the composite porous matrix, and the solid filler is selected from a polymer material, a ceramic material, a metallic material, a glass material, and a glass ceramic material.

Abstract: Multilayer foam-film composite structures in which the cells of at least one foam layer have an anisotropic orientation exhibit at least one enhanced property of toughness, tear resistance and puncture resistance in comparison with a foam-film composite structure alike in all aspects except for the anisotropic orientation of the cells of at least one foam layer.

Abstract: A self-adhesive permeable membrane sheet (1), for use in a building structure, includes a continuous layer of a permeable pressure sensitive adhesive (8) attached to one surface of a permeable membrane sheet (2,4,6). Methods for using the permeable membrane sheet (1) in construction are also provided.

Abstract: Applicable to be used to issue notes of legal tender or any other type of document to facilitate its tactile recognition or prevent its falsification. It consists of a sheet of paper in which expanding agents have been inserted, either centered heightwise or near the upper surface and/or lower surface thereof, forming a figure or inscription which, upon application of pressure and heat, either during the paper manufacturing phase or subsequent processes, cause the sheet of paper to expand, thereby forming a curved and continuous embossing on the surface of the document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulation material for thermal and sound insulation with high mechanical strength, thus providing structural integrity from its own, and its composites with other building materials, such as concrete, for providing pre-insulated building elements, the manufacturing of such material and its composites and the use thereof.

Abstract: A sports mat includes a first foam layer, a second foam layer laminated on the first foam layer and a patterned laminate bonded on the second foam layer. The first and second foam layers are both made of polyethylene foam containing material of elastic resin and have a density in the range of 2 to 8 pcf and a total thickness in the range of 2 to 8 mm. In addition, the first foam layer is embossed therebottom with a plurality of elongated ridges parallel to one another. The patterned laminate includes a first plastic film laminated to the second foam layer, a second plastic film laminated to the first plastic film, and a pattern placed in between the first and second plastic films and visible through the second plastic film. Additionally, the pattern laminate together with the second foam layer is embossed to define a plurality of concaves in an exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: A large, high density foam glass tile which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile can also be used with other materials to form a panel or a composite. The present invention may be used on the critical surfaces of buildings at high risk for terrorist attacks, in combination with cement, steel or other high strength building materials. The present invention may also be used in surfaces of typical buildings. The present invention has the advantage of absorbing a substantial portion of a shock wave caused by an explosion. The present invention also has the advantage of being more resistant to earthquakes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative panel having a composite structure bonded by an elastomeric cementitious coating. The cementitious coating bonds together a foam core and glass fiber mesh to form a highly durable and lightweight decorative panel. The panel can further include a finish coat of a substantially maintenance free pigmented coating. The panel may be attachment to the exterior surface of barriers and bridges. The lightweight construction of the panel adds little weight to the structure it adorns while matching or exceeding the wear characteristics of the attached structure.

Abstract: A thermal barrier fabric includes an inner impermeable material layer, an outer impermeable material layer, a spacer material disposed between the inner and outer impermeable material layers, and a reflective layer of material disposed between the spacer and a selected one of the inner impermeable material layer and the outer impermeable material layer. The inner and outer impermeable material layers are bound to each other along portions thereof outboard of the spacer material and the reflective layer of material to define a closed compartment. The compartment is under a vacuum, such that the reflective layer of the fabric reflects thermal energy back toward the source thereof and the vacuum substantially prevents thermal energy transfer through the compartment.

Abstract: Fibrous structures that exhibit a pore volume distribution such that greater than about 40% of the total pore volume present in the fibrous structure exists in pores of radii of from about 121 ?m to about 200 ?m, and methods for making such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: A covered low-slope or flat roof comprising (a) a roof deck, (b) an optional insulation board including a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate cellular structure having a density that is less than 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, (c) a coverboard including a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate cellular structure having a density greater than about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, and (d) a membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for manufacturing electromagnetic interference shields for use in nonconductive housings of electronic equipment. In one embodiment, the shield may include an electrically nonconductive substrate, such as a thermoformable film, coated with an electrically conductive element, such as an extensible ink or a combination of conductive fibers with an extensible film. In one embodiment, a compressible conductive perimeter gap gasket may be formed by using a form in place process.

Abstract: The extruded propylene-based resin composite foam (1) according to the present invention is provided by extrusion-foaming a molding material containing a propylene-based resin. The propylene-based resin forming the extruded foam has an olefin-based polymer whose loss tangent (tan ?) is 0.04 to 100 at a temperature of 298 K and a frequency of 10 Hz. The molding material includes a fibrous filler in an amount of more than 0 mass % and 60 mass % or less of the entirety of the molding material. The extruded composite foam (1) includes: first extruded foam (2) whose closed cell content is 40 percent or more and whose expansion ratio is 10 or more; and second extruded foam (3) whose closed cell content is less than 40 percent and whose expansion ratio is 10 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covering element comprising a carrier element of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic plastic material, at least one sound-absorbing element extending over at least a part of the surface of the carrier element, and an adhesive layer extending over and beyond at least a part of the surface of the sound-absorbing element, wherein at least a part of the adhesive layer is adhered to the carrier element such that the sound-absorbing element is at least partly enclosed between the adhesive layer and the carrier element, to a method for manufacturing the covering element and the use thereof.

Abstract: High-strength, chemically and thermally stable, closed-cell foams, useful as structural core materials in sandwich composites. The core materials of the invention display anisotropic properties. The core materials of the invention are amenable to vacuum-mediated resin bonding to composite skins to provide lightweight, high-strength structural sandwiches suitable for use in a variety of applications, such as marine applications, construction, aviation, rapid transit, and recreational vehicles.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides medical devices 10 that each include a plurality of fibers 22, substantially all of the plurality of fibers 22 each including a portion having a maximum diameter of at least five micrometers, wherein substantially all of fibers 22 form a layer on at least one external surface of medical device 10. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing medical devices 10, the methods including the steps of: (a) applying a layer comprising a plurality of fibers 22 to at least one surface of medical device 10; and (b) matching the value of the Young's modulus of the layer to +/?35% (in some embodiments to +/?20%) of the value of the Young's modulus of an animal tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are composite materials and methods of using them for hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). In certain embodiments, the composite material comprises a support member, comprising a plurality of pores extending through the support member; and a macroporous cross-linked gel, comprising a plurality of macropores, and a plurality of pendant hydrophobic moieties. In certain embodiments, the composite materials may be used in the separation or purification of a biological molecule or biological ion.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for removing unwanted materials from the surface of fabrics—such as lint, pills, fuzz, and hair—by contacting the fabric with an open-cell foam or an article of manufacturer comprising an open cell foam and a non-soiling and non-staining benefit agents and/or an auxiliary means for trapping material removed by the fabric exfoliation method.

Abstract: Monolithic films are provided having controlled regional breathability with high MVTR regions and low MVTR regions. The zoned monolithic films are be made by selectively applying coatings to a monolithic film prepared from organic acid-modified ionomer resins.

Abstract: Articles having zoned breathability such as personal hygiene articles are provided having controlled regional breathability with high MVTR regions and low MVTR regions. The zoned breathability articles comprise organic acid-modified ionomer resins.

Abstract: A multilayer foam composite element whose total thickness d comprises at least three layers composed of an open-cell foam, where at least one of the internal layers has recesses and the two outermost layers have no recesses, wherein i) the volume of the recesses in the internal layer having recesses is from 20 to 70% by volume, and ii) the thickness of the layer having recesses is from 20 to 80% of the total thickness d.

Abstract: A porous resin film which is obtained from a compound prepared by kneading a composition comprising 30 to 100% by weight of a thermoplastic resin comprising a hydrophilic thermoplastic resin and 0 to 70% by weight of an inorganic and/or an organic powder in an intermeshing twin-screw extruder at a screw shear rate of 300 sec?1 or higher and which has a liquid absorbing capacity of 0.5 ml/m2 or more as measured in accordance with the method specified in Japan TAPPI Standard No. 51-87.

Abstract: A diffusively reflective paint composition is disclosed for use in reflectors in lighting fixtures. The paint is formed by blending macroporous polymeric particles with a paint carrier. The macroporous polymeric particles are formed by reducing a reflective macroporous sheet material. The paint can further comprise solid or hollow microspheres. The paint can be applied to a variety of substrates to form diffusely reflective articles.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing structure is provided which comprises a plurality of sound-absorbing tiles or other elements fitted in position, filler cast between the elements so as to provide a substantially flat surface with the elements, and a monolithic rendering which is porous but extends over the substantially flat surface and provides a very smooth surface without significantly reducing the sound-absorbing properties of the elements.

Abstract: A laminate product comprising a foam core having a pair of opposed major surfaces and a cover layer secured with respect to each major surface is described. The cover layer is essentially free of fibreglass and comprises a polymeric substrate having disposed therein a plurality of porous material layers. It has been found that the use of fibreglass as a reinforcing material (and other sheet materials having a tensile modulus of greater than or equal to about 0.5 GPa when measured pursuant to ASTM D 5034) in a foam laminate product can be avoided by using a porous material layer in place of the fibreglass. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the porous material layer has a tensile modulus less than that of fibreglass mat yet can be used to produce a foam laminate product having significantly higher strength properties.

Abstract: A sports mat includes a foam sheet, an adhesive bonding film, a patterned layer and a skid proof layer. The foam sheet is made of polyethylene foam. The adhesive bonding film applied to a top surface of the foam sheet. The patterned layer has a plastic film and a pattern printed in a bottom surface of the plastic film. The plastic film together with the pattern is joined on top of the adhesive bonding film. The skid proof layer, made of thermal plastic rubber, is coated over a top surface of the plastic film. Additionally, the skid proof layer together with the patterned layer, the adhesive bonding film and the foam sheet defines a plurality of indentations and protrusions over a top surface of the skid proof layer so as to strengthen connection therebetween.

Abstract: A transparent optical component comprises two sets of cells (1) disposed in respective superposed layers (10, 20). Each cell (1) contains an optically active material, and the cells in each set are isolated from one another by separating portions (2) within the corresponding layer. The cells (1) of one layer are offset relative to the cells of the other layer so as to be located in line with the separating portions (2) pertaining to the other layer. Such optical component exhibits transparency that is improved compared with components having a single layer of cells or cells that are superposed.

Abstract: Thin PTFE layers are described having little or no node and fibril microstructure and methods of manufacturing PTFE layers are disclosed that allow for controllable permeability and porosity of the layers. In some embodiments, the PTFE layers may act as a barrier layer in an endovascular graft or other medical device.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-layer three-dimensional structures and formation methods provide structures with effective feature (e.g. opening) sizes (e.g. virtual gaps) that are smaller than a minimum feature size (MFS) that exists on each layer as a result of the formation method used in forming the structures. In some embodiments, multi-layer structures include a first element (e.g. first patterned layer with a gap) and a second element (e.g. second patterned layer with a gap) positioned adjacent the first element to define a third element (e.g. a net gap or opening resulting from the combined gaps of the first and second elements) where the first and second elements have features that are sized at least as large as the minimum feature size and the third element, at least in part, has dimensions or defines dimensions smaller than the minimum feature size.

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: The present invention pertains to a foaming material with a functional surface comprising a foaming layer and a plurality of function layers disposed on a top surface, a bottom surface, or a peripheral surface of the foaming layer. Wherein, by means of the foaming layer disposed on the surfaces of the foaming layer, certain functions can be well performed and a greatly decreased manufacturing cost can be accordingly achieved.

Abstract: A method for making antimicrobial rebonded carpet pad includes mixing zinc pyrithione with a polyol to form an antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate, blending the antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate with a binder stream, mixing the binder with foam particles and curing the binder. The percentage of zinc pyrithione mixed with the polyol and the addition ratio of the antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate with the binder stream are selected to provide an overall concentration of zinc pyrithione in the binder of at least about 7500 ppm. The particles and binder are cured into a block and sliced to form carpet pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to porous ceramic composites incorporating biodegradable polymers for use as a bone substitute in the fields of orthopedics and dentistry or as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications. The porous ceramic composite implant for connective tissue replacement comprises a porous ceramic matrix having a biodegradable polymer provided on internal and external surfaces of the ceramic matrix. The biodegradable polymer allows for the passage and/or delivery of a variety of agents throughout the porous ceramic matrix and improves mechanical properties of the implant in vivo.

Abstract: A roofing underlayment sheet includes several layers. Some of the layers are made of polymeric materials. Other of the layers are made of non-woven materials.

Abstract: Polyurethane molded foams having a surface region and an interior region and comprising a flame-retardant solid, wherein the flame-retardant solid is present in the surface region in a proportion higher than a proportion of the flame-retardant solid in the interior region; processes for preparing the same; and materials comprising such foams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent immobilization device which is able to be molded direct on a patient and which is provided to cover at least a part of a patients' body that needs to be fixed, supported and/or immobilized, which immobilization device is at least partly made of a plastic material. The immobilization device is at least partly made of a sheet of a material comprising at least one thermoplastic elastomer which is a copolymer of ethylene with at least one ?-olefin having 3-10 carbon atoms, or a blend of two or more of such copolymers. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such an immobilization device, according to which the plastic material is first heated to a temperature which is 15-20° C. above the melting temperature, then cooled to a temperature which may be supported by the body and molded on the body part of the patient that needs to be immobilized.

Abstract: Multi-layer composite materials comprising a foam layer, corresponding method of production and use thereof. Multilayered composite materials comprising as components: (A) a foam layer where the foam is selected from polystyrene foams, polyurethane foams, polyester foams, butadiene-styrene block copolymer foams, natural sponges and amino resin foams, (B) optionally at least one bonding layer and (C) a polyurethane layer.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include insulation used to insulate elongated members, such a pipe or duct, as examples. The insulation can address a number of features, including but not limited to expansion and compression of insulation material, expansion and compression of the elongated member insulated, and the ability to adapt the insulation for elongated member of different sizes and lengths. In one embodiment, the insulation is comprised of at least one plank comprised of a flexible polymeric foam configured to be wrapped around an elongated member. In order for the insulation to self-adjust to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the foam material, the plank is comprised of a plurality of flexible polymeric foam profiles. At least one flexible polymeric foam spacer may also be provided that self-adjusts to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the elongated member to prevent or reduce gaps in insulation.

Abstract: Multi-layer composite materials comprising a plastic or metal foil, corresponding method of production and use thereof Multilayered composite materials comprising as components: (A) a plastics or metal foil, (B) optionally at least one bonding layer and (C) a polyurethane layer with capillaries passing through the entire thickness of the polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a protective membrane having first and second layers. The first layer is air permeable, vapor breathable, and liquid repellant. The second layer is vapor breathable, liquid repellant, and adsorptive of chemical and/or biological agents.

Abstract: Multi-layer composite materials comprising a cellulose-containing layer, corresponding method of production and use thereof Multilayered composite materials comprising as components: (A) a layer of cellulosic material, (B) optionally at least one bonding layer and (C) a polyurethane layer with capillaries passing through the entire thickness of the polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A porous film for a heat-sealable bag-constituting member is prepared by stretching an unstretched film to be porous. The unstretched film includes an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 30×104 to 250×104, a polyolefin component other than the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene, and an inorganic filler as essential components, and the content of the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene is 1 percent by weight or more based on the total amount of polymer components constituting the porous film. Even when produced by stretching at a low draw ratio, the film does not suffer from uneven stretching and shows high productivity. When the film is heat-sealed into a bag, the bag has a high seal strength and does not suffer from edge tear. The film is therefore useful particularly as a bag-constituting member to be heat-sealed into a bag typically as a disposable body warmer.