Abstract: The invention provides a class of polymeric materials being ABA tri-block or AB di-block, comprised of biodegradable segments and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) segment and uses thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a handle and a cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a base pivotably connected to the handle, a body affixed to the base and opposite the handle; and a cleaning material removably secured via clinging to the body opposite of the base and free of direct attachment to the base. The cleaning apparatus may find particular use in cleaning one or more surfaces which may include wiping, sweeping, dusting (e.g., dry, damp, or both), mopping (e.g., dry, damp, wet, or a combination), scrubbing, polishing, the like, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A ceramic component containing silicon carbide and to the use of the component. The method for producing the ceramic component includes the following steps: a) providing a green body based on SiC, which has been produced by means of a 3D-printing method, b) impregnating the green body with a solution selected from the group consisting of a sugar solution, a starch solution or a cellulose solution, or a resin system comprising a mixture containing at least one resin, at least one solvent and at least one curing agent, the at least one resin and the at least one solvent being different, c) drying or curing the impregnated green body, d) carbonising the dried or cured green body, wherein a fine-pored, foam-like carbon skeleton is produced from the dried solution or a fine-pored, sponge-like carbon skeleton is produced from the cured resin system.

Abstract: A belt with a tensile cord embedded in an elastomeric body, having an adhesive composition impregnating the cord and coating the fibers. The adhesive composition is the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol, or a polyurethane prepolymer derived therefrom, and a polyamine curative and optionally additional polyol, and with optionally added plasticizer. At least one of the polyisocyanate, the prepolymer, and the polyamine are blocked with a blocking agent. The belt body may be of cast polyurethane, vulcanized rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer. The cord may have an adhesive overcoat.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon fiber bundle is provided, involving performing a flame-proof treatment to a carbon-fiber-precursor acryl fiber bundle having a single-fiber fineness of 1.5 dtex or more and 5.0 dtex or less, and having a roundness of 0.7 or more and 0.9 or less in a cross-section shape perpendicular to a fiber axis of the single fiber to obtain a flame-proofed fiber bundle; and performing a carbonization treatment to the flame-proofed fiber bundle.

Abstract: Fiber webs which are used in filter media are described herein. In some embodiments, the fiber webs include fibrillated fibers and optionally non-fibrillated fibers, amongst other optional components (e.g., binder resin). In some embodiments, the fiber webs include limited amounts of, or no, glass fiber. The respective characteristics and amounts of the fibrillated fibers are selected to impart desirable properties including mechanical properties and filtration properties (e.g., dust holding capacity and efficiency), amongst other benefits.

Abstract: There are provided a composite plated product, which has little uneven appearance, a low contact resistance and good wear resistance, and a method for producing the same without the need of any silver-plating solutions containing cyanides and any silver-plating solutions containing silver nitrate as a silver salt. After carbon particles are caused to be suspended in water, an oxidizing agent is added thereto for carrying out a wet oxidation treatment of the carbon particles, and a silver-plating solution, which contains at least one sulfonic acid and the carbon particles treated by the wet oxidation treatment, is used for electroplating a base material to form a coating film of a composite material, which contains the carbon particles in a silver layer, on the base material to produce a composite plated product.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module comprising nanostructured SnO and SnO2, and electrodes arranged between two electrical insulating substrates is described. The nanostructured SnO may be in the form of nanosheets and acting as p-type pillars of the module. The nanostructured SnO2 may be in the form of nanospheres and acting as n-type pillars of the module. This thermoelectric module is evaluated on the voltage, current, and power of the electricity generated once subjected to a temperature gradient.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyamide moulding compounds comprising the following components: a) 50 to 95% by weight of a single amorphous copolyamide constructed from monomers a1) to a6), b) 5 to 50% by weight of at least one glass filler, c) 0 to 15% by weight of at least one monomeric lactam and/or polyamide 12, d) 0 to 19% by weight of additives, the sum of components a) to d) producing 100% by weight. Furthermore, the invention relates to moulded articles made of this polyamide moulding compound.

Abstract: To provide polyimide films that contain polyimide good in solubility in solvent and excel lent in workability and that are colorless, transparent and excellent in toughness, polyimide varnishes, and products and layered products using the polyimide film, the polyimide film is characterized by containing polyimide expressed by following general formula (1), and containing as A in the general formula (1), a structure expressed by following general formula (A-1), for example, structure expressed by following general formula (A-5). Herein, in the general formula (1), A represents a bivalent organic group, B represents a tetravalent organic group, and n is 2 or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides silk fibroin micro-particles having a high crystallinity index (1.3-1.5) and low sphericity index (?0.01) and a process for the preparation thereof. The high crystallinity index confers longer degradation periods to the instant silk fibroin micro-particles, therefore facilitating their use in biomedical applications.

Abstract: A method of making a yarn is disclosed. A plurality of fibers is obtained by: preparing a slurry of polymer mixed with water insoluble nanoparticles of electrolytic copper, and extruding the slurry through a spinneret that includes a plurality of holes which impart a generally “X”-shaped cross-section to the plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers are spun together to form the yarn.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to heterojunctions in halide perovskite nanostructures. In one aspect, a nanostructure comprises a first region and a second region. The first region comprises ABX3, with A being selected from a group consisting of Cs and Rb, with B being selected from a group consisting of Sn and Pb, and with X being selected from a group consisting of Br, Cl, and Br and Cl. The second region comprises ABY3, with Y being selected from a group consisting of Br, I, and Br and I. Compositions of the first region of the nanostructure and the second region of the nanostructure are different.

Abstract: Method for treatment of pellets (1) comprising a thermoplastic polymer sheath (2) surrounding glass filaments (3), which glass filaments are covered at least in part with an impregnating agent and extend in a longitudinal direction of the pellets, the method comprising maintaining the pellets for a period of time at an elevated temperature. The method results in an improved impregnation of glass filaments in the pellets resulting in (a) lower amounts of glass separating from the pellets when such are subjected to repetitive mechanical loads and (b) less agglomerations of glass filaments in moulded products manufactured from the pellets.

Abstract: The present description provides a water-reducible or water-dispersible coating system that can be used to form a durable, corrosion-resistant protective coating on a wide range of substrates. The coating system includes an alkyd resin prepared from a polyester feedstock that includes post-consumer recycled PET and a waste cooking oil feedstock. Methods for preparing the coating system and articles coated with the coating system are also described.

Abstract: Nano structured surfaces and bulk composite materials which exhibit tunable surface morphology, wettability, thermal conductivity, and total thermal resistance properties, and methods of fabrication and uses thereof are described herein. Arrays of vertically-aligned nanostructures produced via a template assisted fabrication approach using nanoporous templates, or alternatively, via an electropolymerization process are described. As a result, control over the surface morphology and wettability can be achieved using the selective template etching process. The composite materials also demonstrate tunable thermal and electrical properties based on the methods of their fabrication. The arrays of polymeric nanostructures are chemically, mechanically, and thermally robust and can serve as soft substrates with heat dissipation capability for use in the fabrication of thermal management materials, tunable wetting for microfluidic applications, and for use in heterojunction organic photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating preforms. One embodiment is a method comprising acquiring tows of fiber reinforced material, selecting a number of tows to utilize for a bundle having an aggregate shape, assembling the tows together into the bundle, curving the assembled tows by slipping the assembled tows with respect to each other, drawing the bundle through a die to bind the bundle into a preform, enforcing a longitudinally varying cross section along the preform, and locking in a curvature of the preform.

Abstract: A method of forming a hybrid nanostructure on graphene, the method including providing a graphene layer on a substrate; forming a metal layer on the graphene layer; and chemically depositing a nanomaterial on the graphene layer on which the metal layer is formed to form the hybrid nanostructure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functional material having the function of detecting a predetermined substance or the like present in a sample with high accuracy even when the amount of the sample is small, and a method for producing the functional material. The functional material includes a channel part 10 that allows a liquid to pass therethrough, and the channel part 10 is made of a water-permeable material 11 containing a water-impermeable material 12. The water-impermeable material 12 is placed between pieces of the water-permeable material 11, and therefore voids 10h can be formed between the water-impermeable material 12 and the water-permeable material 11. That is, a network of the voids 10h can be formed in the channel part 10. A liquid sample supplied to the channel part 10 is allowed to move while being allowed to penetrate into the voids 10h.

Abstract: The invention provides articles of manufacture comprising biocompatible nanostructures comprising nanotubes and nanopores for, e.g., organ, tissue and/or cell growth, e.g., for bone, kidney or liver growth, and uses thereof, e.g., for in vitro testing, in vivo implants, including their use in making and using artificial organs, and related therapeutics. The invention provides lock-in nanostructures comprising a plurality of nanopores or nanotubes, wherein the nanopore or nanotube entrance has a smaller diameter or size than the rest (the interior) of the nanopore or nanotube. The invention also provides dual structured biomaterial comprising micro- or macro-pores and nanopores. The invention provides biomaterials having a surface comprising a plurality of enlarged diameter nanopores and/or nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staining method in which the fluorescent staining properties in a fluorescently-immunostained specimen are not reduced even when an oil-based mounting medium is used. The present invention also provides a method of preventing deterioration of a fluorescent label caused by irradiation with excitation light and improving the light resistance in a fluorescently-immunostained specimen obtained by the staining method. The biological substance detection method according to the present invention is a biological substance detection method for specifically detecting a biological substance from a pathological specimen, which includes the steps of: immunostaining the specimen with a fluorescent label; immobilizing the thus stained specimen; and mounting the thus immobilized specimen using a mounting medium including an organic solvent not freely miscible with water.

Abstract: A light guide plate according to one or more embodiment is formed of a panel transparent to visible light, and includes: a plurality of first prisms arranged along one surface of the light guide plate and distributed in a first pattern to reflect the visible light emitted from a first light source and entering the light guide from an input surface toward another surface of the light guide plate; and a plurality of second prisms arranged in a second pattern to reflect the visible light emitted from a second light source and entering the light guide from the input surface toward said other surface of the light guide plate. Each first prism includes a reflection surface directly facing the first light source, and each second prism includes a reflection surface directly facing the second light source.

Abstract: The invention is a composition that can prevent formation in, or scavenge undesirable organic materials from, a polymer matrix. The composition contains cyclodextrin and particles of activated carbon. The composition can scavenge thermal decomposition products that can be produced during melt processing of a polymer, contaminants inherent in a polymer, or other types of impurities from a polymer matrix that otherwise may elute into the air, a water supply, or an ingestible material such as a food, a drug, or a beverage. Other aspects of the invention are blends of the composition with polymeric materials, methods of making blends, articles containing the composition, and methods of making articles containing the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for concentrated aqueous silk fibroin solutions and an all-aqueous mode for preparation of concentrated aqueous fibroin solutions that avoids the use of organic solvents, direct additives, or harsh chemicals. The invention further provides for the use of these solutions in production of materials, e.g., fibers, films, foams, meshes, scaffolds and hydrogels.

Abstract: An active particle bonding system comprising an active particle, a material chemically bonded to the active particle, and a substrate embedded to at least one of the active particle and the material.

Abstract: Sizing agent-coated carbon fibers includes: a sizing agent including an aliphatic epoxy compound (A) and at least containing an aromatic epoxy compound (B1) as an aromatic compound (B); and carbon fibers coated with the sizing agent, wherein the sizing agent-coated carbon fibers have an (a)/(b) ratio of 0.50 to 0.90 where (a) is a height (cps) of a component at a binding energy (284.6 eV) assigned to CHx, C—C, and C?C and (b) is a height (cps) of a component at a binding energy (286.1 eV) assigned to C—O in a C1s core spectrum of a surface of the sizing agent applied onto the carbon fibers analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using AlK?1,2 as an X-ray source at a photoelectron takeoff angle of 15°.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a filtering article, comprising: powders comprising bundles of nanotubes, each bundle comprising hollow titania nanotubes. Embodiments of the methods of making and using the filtering articles are also provided.

Abstract: New poly(ethylene imine)-based copolymers for bonding to and releasing genetic material, in particular DNA/RNA, and method for the production and use of same. The copolymers according to a compound of the general Formula I: can be produced at low costs and with little expenditure of time, are tailor-made and have a high functionality for universal effective uses without restriction of their bonding affinity to genetic material.

Abstract: Pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) that can be cured/molded to form aerospace composite parts. The prepreg includes carbon reinforcing fibers and an uncured resin matrix. The resin matrix includes an epoxy component that is a combination of a hydrocarbon epoxy novolac resin and a trifunctional epoxy resin and optionally a tetrafunctional epoxy resin. The resin matrix includes polyethersulfone as a toughening agent and a thermoplastic particle component.

Abstract: Various sensors and arrays of sensors that utilize nanostructures or carbon structures, such as nanotubes, nanotube meshes, or graphene sheets, are disclosed. In some arrangements, at least a pair of contacts are electrically coupled with a given nanostructure or carbon structure to sense a change.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a resin composition, from which a molded article having high durability, sliding property and wear resistance can be produced with a high productivity. The present invention provides a polyacetal resin composition containing 100 parts by mass of a polyacetal resin (A) and 10 parts by mass or more and 100 parts by mass or less of a glass filler (B), in which when a molded article formed of the polyacetal resin composition by molding is fractured by application of tensile force, the surface of the glass filler (B) protruding from a fractured surface of a fractured molded article is covered with a component containing the polyacetal resin (A) having an average thickness of 0.2 ?m or more and 3.0 ?m or less.

Abstract: A cellulosic substrate-based device is described, including a cellulosic substrate comprising a functionalized surface covalently functionalized by a chemical moiety in an amount sufficient to provide an omniphobic or hydrophobic surface; and a material printed on the functionalized surface, wherein the printed material has a line edge roughness of less than about 15 ?m and/or a line lateral resolution of less than about 50 ?m.

Abstract: To provide: a semiaromatic polyamide which has excellent moldability, heat resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical characteristics; and a molded article of this semiaromatic polyamide. A semiaromatic polyamide (I) of the present invention contains 35-50% by mole of a structural unit derived from terephthalic acid [A], 25-40% by mole of a structural unit derived from isophthalic acid [B], 15-35% by mole of a structural unit derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid [C] (provided that the total of [A], [B] and [C] is 100% by mole), and a structural unit derived from an aliphatic diamine [D] having 4-12 carbon atoms. The molar ratio ([A]/[B]) is from 65/35 to 50/50, and the molar ratio ([C]/[B]) is from 30/70 to 50/50. The melting enthalpy ([increment]H) of the semiaromatic polyamide (I) as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is 20-40 mJ/mg, and the intrinsic viscosity of the semiaromatic polyamide (I) is 0.7-1.6 dl/g.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to abrasive aggregates comprised of abrasive particles in a vitreous binder composition, and methods of making and using such abrasive aggregates, including in abrasive articles. The abrasive aggregates can include modifier particles. The abrasive aggregates can include a layer of outer particles on at least a portion of the outer surface of the abrasive aggregate.

Abstract: By preparing a polyimide film with a face at the support side and subjected to a surface treatment; subjecting at least one of a face of the support and the face of the polyimide film which are opposite to each other to a patterning treatment using a coupling agent to form a satisfactorily bondable part and an easily releasable part which differ in adhesion/peel strength; subsequently, superposing the support and the polyimide film to be subjected to a pressurizing/heating treatment and to be bonded to each other, subjecting the surface of the polyimide film to an organic alkali treatment; and then, applying a polyamic acid solution free from a slip agent ingredient, drying the coating film and imidizing the film, a layered product having a structure of at least three layers in which at least one layer contains a slip agent material and both surface layers have no slip agent material is produced.

Abstract: Optical lenses are described and include a polymeric interference filter disposed on a curved polymeric substrate. The optical lens has an average light transmission of less than 2% across a band of blue light from 400 nm to at least 420 and up to 440 nm and substantially transmits blue light greater than 450 nm.

Abstract: Electro-conductive fibers comprise synthetic fibers and an electro-conductive layer containing carbon nanotubes and covering a surface of the synthetic fibers, and the coverage of the electro-conductive layer relative to the whole surface of the synthetic fibers is not less than 60% (particularly not less than 90%). The electric resistance value of the electro-conductive fibers ranges from 1×10?2 to 1×1010 ?/cm, and the standard deviation of the logarithm of the electric resistance value is less than 1.0. The thickness of the electro-conductive layer ranges from 0.1 to 5 ?m, and the ratio of the carbon nanotubes may be 0.1 to 50 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the synthetic fibers. The electro-conductive layer may further contain a binder. The electro-conductive fibers may be produced by immersing the synthetic fibers in a dispersion with vibrating the synthetic fibers to form the electro-conductive layer adhered to the surface of the synthetic fibers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to filled polyamide compositions [composition (C)] comprising: —at least one polyhydric alcohol-modified polyamide, comprising an amount of polyhydric alcohol (PHA, herein after) residues chemically bonded at least to a part of the polyamide [polyamide (A)] of at least 0.1% wt (based on the total weight of polyamide (A)); —at least one filler [filler (F)]; and—at least one polyamide, different from polyamide (A), more than 50% moles of recurring units thereof being of formula —HN—(CH2)5—CO— [polyamide (PA6)], in an amount of 5 to 50% wt, based on the combined weight of polyamide (A) and polyamide (PA6).

Abstract: A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a mixing unit and a forming unit. The mixing unit is configured to mix fibers and a composite, where a resin and a wax are integrally combined, in air. The forming unit is configured to form a sheet by depositing and heating a mixed material where the fibers and the composite are mixed.

Abstract: Crystals having a modified regular tetrahedron shape are provided. Crystals preferably have four substantially identical triangular faces that define four truncated vertices and six chamfered edges. The six chamfered edges can have an average length of l, and an average width of w, and 8?l/w?9.5.

Abstract: For imparting enhanced water-repellency and oil-repellency properties to substrates compositions comprising blends of (A) one or more ester oligomers and (B) one or more polycarbodiimides. Also methods for applying such compositions and articles treated with such compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides for compositions, methods and devices for rapidly converting silk fibroin solution into a silk fibroin gel using direct application of voltage, in a process called electrogelation. The silk fibroin gel may be reversibly converted back to liquid form by applying reverse voltage or may be converted further to ?-sheet structure by applying shear force or other treatments. The electrogelated silk may be used as an extracted bulk gel, spray or stream of gel for processing into materials or devices, or may be used as silk gel coating to devices. Active agents may be embedded in the silk gel for various medical applications. This invention also provides for methods and compositions for preparing adhesive silk pH-gels. For example, the method comprises reducing pH level of a silk fibroin solution to increase the bulk or local proton concentration of the silk fibroin solution, thereby forming adhesive silk gels.

Abstract: A prepreg is formed by impregnating sizing agent-coated carbon fibers coated with a sizing agent with a thermosetting resin composition. The sizing agent contains an aliphatic epoxy compound (A) and an aromatic compound (B) at least containing an aromatic epoxy compound (B1). The sizing agent-coated carbon fibers has an (a)/(b) ratio of 0.50 to 0.90 where (a) is a height (cps) of a component at a binding energy (284.6 eV) assigned to CHx, C—C, and C?C and (b) is a height (cps) of a component at a binding energy (286.1 eV) assigned to C—O in a C1s core spectrum of a surface of the sizing agent applied onto the carbon fibers analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using AlK?1,2 as an X-ray source at a photoelectron takeoff angle of 15°.

Abstract: A polyamide resin is produced by polycondensing a polyamide oligomer having a relative viscosity of from 1.1 to 1.3 and a water content of 3% by weight or less by melt-kneading using an intermeshed co-rotation twin screw extruder having at least one or more open vents OV1 and OV2 and at least one or more vacuum vents VV1 and VV2. A pressure-decreasing element Y for increasing the resin filling rate is provided at a position nearer to the supply section side than positions at which the vacuum vents VV1 and VV2 are provided, and an area of 30% or less of the total screw length is a vacuum area having a pressure of 300 Torr or less.

Abstract: A process of continuous production for polyester, comprising continuously supplying an esterification or transesterification product comprising ester oligomers with an acid value of less than 100 meq/kg to a liquid phase polymerization reactor, wherein the esterification or transesterification product is produced by esterification or transesterification of a polycarboxylic acid or an alkyl ester thereof and a polyhydric alcohol; and performing a liquid-phase polymerization at a temperature of 200 to 270° C. and at a pressure of 0 to 5 torr in a liquid-phase polymerization reactor to produce the polyester with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.4 dl/g or higher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing anhydrous sugar alcohol, and more particularly, to a cheap and highly efficient method for preparing anhydrous sugar alcohol having a high final purity of at least 99%, and having good ion content, pH, conductivity, and color properties. According to the method, a hydrogenated sugar is dehydrated so as to be transformed into anhydrous sugar alcohol, and a series of processes including distillation, crystallization, decoloration, and ion exchange resin treatment are conducted.

Abstract: A polymer, a method for preparing the same, and a photosensitive resin composition thereof are provided. The polymer has a structure represented by Formula (I): wherein R1 is —OH, or —COOH; A1 is each A2 is independently each A3 is independently Z is —O—, —S—, —C(CH3)2-, —C(CF3)2-, m is a positive integer that is greater than 1; n is a positive integer that is greater than 1; i is a positive integer between 1 and 3; and, j is a positive integer between 1 and 20; and, the repeat units are arranged in a random fashion.

Abstract: A reversible color-changing polymeric article includes a polymeric material and a dried reversible color-changing ink formulation durably bound to the polymeric material. During use, the polymeric article is impregnated with a sanitizer solution that contains a quaternary ammonium compound. The polymeric article reversibly changes between a first color when impregnated with the sanitizer solution and a second color when the sanitizer solution is depleted during use.

Abstract: Crystals having a modified regular tetrahedron shape are provided. Crystals preferably have four substantially identical triangular faces that define four truncated vertices and six chamfered edges. The six chamfered edges can have an average length of l, and an average width of w, and 8?l/w?9.5.

Abstract: A metal tape material contains a metal having face centered cubic lattice structure, in which metal tape material an area fraction A1 of a preferentially <100>oriented region are within an orientation difference of 15° C. relative to a thickness direction of the metal tape material and further within an orientation difference of 15° C. relative to a first in-plane direction of the metal tape material is 60% or greater and not greater than 100%, and, where an area fraction of a preferentially <212>oriented region are within an orientation difference of 15° relative to the thickness direction and further within an orientation difference of 15° relative to the first in-plane direction is defined as A2, the total of the area fraction of the preferentially <212>oriented region and the area fraction of the preferentially <100>oriented region, A1+A2, is greater than 70% and not greater than 100%.