Abstract: The invention relates to a needle-punched nonwoven fabric wherein short fibers of polylactic acid containing an epoxy compound account for 20 to 40 mass % while short fibers of polyethylene terephthalate account for 80 to 60 mass %, the metsuke (weight per unit surface area) being 100 to 200 g/m2, and the tensile strength per metsuke at 20° C. being 0.30 to 0.60 (N/cm)/(g/m2) in the longitudinal direction and 0.48 to 0.90 (N/cm)/(g/m2) in the lateral direction. The present invention provides needle-punched nonwoven fabrics that are low in environment load, high enough in durability to serve as interior finishing material for automobiles, and high in stretchability during molding.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including a 3-dimensional nanostructure, wherein the 3-dimensional nanostructure includes a 2-dimensional nanostructure connected to a 1-dimensional nanostructure.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a roller bearing assembly may include superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis, with gaps located between adjacent ones of the superhard bearing elements. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface and a pair of side surfaces intersecting the bearing surface. Each of the side surfaces may form a respective oblique angle relative to the axis. The roller bearing assembly may include a support ring having the superhard bearing elements affixed thereto. The bearing surfaces of the superhard bearing elements may be positioned and configured to form at least a portion of a superhard raceway for rolling elements to roll over. The oblique angle may be selected to at least partially inhibit the gaps from impeding the rolling elements during operation.

Abstract: A problem is to provide a production method by which a high-strength concrete formed body can be obtained. The problem can be solved by a method for producing a concrete formed body including a defoaming step [1] of holding a concrete composition having a water-cement ratio adjusted to from 14 to 20%, in a reduced pressure atmosphere to obtain a defoamed concrete; a defoaming step [2] of holding a carbon fiber immersed in a cement solution having a water-cement ratio adjusted to 14% or more, in a reduced pressure atmosphere to obtain a defoamed fiber; and a forming step of placing the defoamed concrete and the defoamed fiber within a shuttering, followed by curing to obtain a high-strength concrete formed body.

Abstract: Strain modulated nanostructures for optoelectronic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A semiconductor laser in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, for example, comprises an active region having a nanowire structure formed from a semiconductor material. The nanowire structure of the semiconductor material has a bandgap that is indirect in a first strain state. The laser further includes a straining unit coupled to the active region. The straining unit is configured to modulate the nanowire structure such that the nanowire structure reaches a second strain state in which the bandgap becomes direct or substantially direct and, in operation, emits photons upon electron-hole recombination.

Abstract: A coating composition which imparts antifog, antireflective, easy-cleaning, and/or antistatic properties to substrates coated therewith. The coating compositions utilize nanoparticles funtionalized with amine groups and/or protected amine groups, and amine-reactive groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a copolyamide comprising at least two different units corresponding to the following general formulation: A/X.T A is chosen from a unit obtained from an amino acid, a unit obtained from a lactam and a unit corresponding to the formula (Ca diamine).(Cb diacid), with a representing the number of carbon atoms of the diamine and b representing the number of carbon atoms of the diacid, a and b each being between 4 and 36, advantageously between 9 and 18, X.

Abstract: Disclosed are block copolymer nanostructures formed on surface patterns different from nanostructure of the block copolymer and preparation methods thereof.

Abstract: Fibers containing nano-sized diamond and platinum nanocolloid, and bedding formed thereby.

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: An object of the present invention is to provide an infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion that has a property whereby visible light is adequately transmitted, and light in the near-infrared region is adequately shielded; an infrared-shielding body manufactured using the infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion; a method for manufacturing infrared-shielding nanoparticles that are used in the infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion; and infrared-shielding nanoparticles manufactured using the method for manufacturing infrared-shielding nanoparticles.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates for use in various medical devices, as well as methods and uses for such substrates and medical devices. In one particular embodiment, methods for enhancing cellular functions on a surface of a medical device implant are disclosed which generally comprise providing a medical device implant comprising a plurality of nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) thereon and exposing the medical device implant to cells such as osteoblasts.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon application cable of reduced nylon with increased flexibility and useful life. The cable may be of a hose or solid configuration and particularly beneficial for use in marine operations. A power and data communicative core of the cable may be surrounded by a lightweight intermediate polymer layer of a given hardness which is ultimately then surrounded by an outer polymer jacket having a hardness that is greater than the given hardness. Thus, a lighter weight polymer is provided interior of the outer polymer jacket, which may be of nylon or other suitably hard material. As such, the overall weight and cost of the cable may be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A steel filament adapted for the reinforcement of elastomer or for thermoplastic products has a carbon content ranging up to 0.20 per cent by weight. The steel filament is provided with a coating promoting the adhesion with elastomer or thermoplastic products. The steel filament is drawn until a final diameter of less than 0.60 mm and a final tensile strength of more than 1200 MPa. Intermediate heat treatments are avoided so that the carbon footprint of the steel filament is substantially reduced.

Abstract: The abrasion resistance of organic fiber based ropes and cords is increased by a outer woven cover of tapes of high molecular weight and more preferably ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for making a polymer-additive composite particle from a dope by jet spinning the dope to obtain a pulp, fibril or fibrid, wherein the solvent of the dope is selected from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N?-dimethylformamide, N,N?-dimethylacetamide, tetramethylurea, and 4 to 75 wt % of a composition consisting of 2 to 95 wt % of a para-aramid polymer and 5-98 wt % of a solid additive material, to a total of 100 wt %, and wherein the aramid polymer is dissolved in the solvent; or coagulating the dope by means of a rotor-stator apparatus in which the polymer solution is applied through the stator on the rotor so that the precipitating polymer-additive composite particle is subjected to shear forces while they are in a plastic deformable stage.

Abstract: The development described provides methods of producing functionalized cellulose in a one-step acid treatment process and of using the cellulose so derived to make composite polymer materials. The composite materials may include mixtures of the acid treated cellulose, functionalized cellulose polymers, including but not limited to cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose propionate, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose, biobased and/or biodegradable polymers, impact modifying agents, and other components such as nucleating agents and pigments. The composite materials formed possess thermomechanical properties that differ from those of similar polymer composites made using prior art. In particular, the composite and nanocomposite materials are characterized by increased heat distortion temperatures and improved impact strengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing at least one cationic peptide active agent, at least one neutral structure forming amphiphile, at least one anionic structure forming amphiphile and optionally at least one solvent wherein the composition is in the form of a non-lamellar phase structure and/or forms a nonlamellar phase structure on exposure to body fluids. The invention also relates to methods for protecting peptides from enzymic degredation in vivo and to compositions in which the peptide active agent is so protected.

Abstract: A method of producing a nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material includes preparing a solution that contains salts of a plurality of first elements constituting a thermoelectric conversion material, and a salt of a second element that has a redox potential lower than redox potentials of the first elements; precipitating the first elements, thereby producing a matrix-precursor that is a precursor of a matrix made of the thermoelectric conversion material, by adding a reducing agent to the solution; precipitating the second element in the matrix-precursor, thereby producing slurry containing the first elements and the second element, by further adding the reducing agent to the solution; and alloying the plurality of the first elements, thereby producing the matrix (70) made of the thermoelectric conversion material, and producing nano-sized phonon-scattering particles (80) including the second element, which are dispersed in the matrix (70), by filtering and washing the slurry, and then, heat-treating t

Abstract: Disclosed is a fabric for an airbag including a polyester fiber, and particularly to a polyester fabric for an airbag of which toughness is 3.5 to 6.0 kJ/m3 and tearing strength measured according to the ASTM D 2261 TONGUE method is 18 to 30 kgf, wherein the fabric includes polyester fiber of which toughness is 70 to 95 J/m3, a method of preparing the same, and an airbag for a car including the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.

Abstract: Biocompatible and resorbable melt derived glass compositions which include: SiO2 60-70 weight-%, Na2O 5-20 weight-%, CaO 5-25 weight-%, MgO 0-10 weight-%, P2O5 0.5-3.0 weight-%, B2O3 0-15 weight-%, Al2O3 0-5 weight-%, and which contain less than 0.05 weight-% potassium. Biocompatible and resorbable glass fibres manufactured from these glass compositions, medical devices containing fibres of the invention, the use of these compositions for the manufacture of glass fibre and the use of the fibres for the manufacture of medical devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A web-type composite intermediate is formed from fibers and plastic. The composite intermediate is formed by wet web formation from a substantially homogeneous liquid mixture which contains natural fibers, plastic particles having a diameter of less than approximately 1000 ?m, and an agent that improves compatibility between natural fibers and plastic particles. In addition, a method for forming a composite intermediate and the use of the composite intermediate are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to yarns and fabrics that exhibit anti-static, anti-odor, and anti-microbial properties. The yarn is comprised of several groups of predetermined fibers. One of these groups of predetermined fibers comprises fibers that exhibit anti-microbial, anti-odor and anti-static characteristics. In one embodiment, the yarn comprises a first plurality of fibers, a second plurality of fibers that are different from the fibers of the first plurality, and a third plurality of fibers that are different from the fibers of the first and second pluralities. In one embodiment, the fibers which exhibit anti-microbial, anti-odor and anti-static properties are metallic coated fibers. Other fibers used to form different embodiments of the yarns include cotton, nylon, polyester, wool, meta-aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers, and stretch fibers.

Abstract: The assemblies of the invention can comprise a fine fiber layer having dispersed within the fine fiber layer an active particulate material. Fluid that flows through the assemblies of the invention can have any material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer. The structures of the invention can act simply as reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters that can filter particulate from a mobile fluid while simultaneously reacting, absorbing, or adsorbing materials from the mobile fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a copolyamide comprising at least two different units corresponding to the following general formulation: A/X.T A is chosen from a unit obtained from an amino acid, a unit obtained from a lactam and a unit corresponding to the formula (Ca diamine).(Cb diacid), with a representing the number of carbon atoms of the diamine and b representing the number of carbon atoms of the diacid, a and b each being between 4 and 36, advantageously between 9 and 18, X.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transparent conductive polycarbonate film coated with carbon nanotubes, including a transparent conductive layer formed by applying a mixed solution of carbon nanotubes and a binder on one side or both sides of a transparent polycarbonate film, and a touch panel using the transparent conductive polycarbonate film as a lower transparent electrode. The present invention provides a transparent conductive polycarbonate film coated with a mixed solution of carbon nanotubes and a binder, by which a touch panel having high transmissivity can be manufactured by directly forming a transparent conductive layer on a polycarbonate film used as a protective film of a liquid crystal display using carbon nanotubes, without using a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate used for a transparent electrode of a conventional touch panel, by which the production cost of the touch panel can be decreased, and by which a thin touch panel can be manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles which have been modified by a modifier and a dispersion medium comprising the modified particles.

Abstract: A method is provided that produces nanocomposite materials containing well-dispersed, nanoparticles encapsulated in a polymer matrix. A feedstock comprising a colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles in a solvent and a polymer dissolved in the same solvent is passed through an ultrasonic nozzle using a flow control device, producing an aerosol of drops having diameters less than about 100 micrometers. The aerosol of drops is then mixed with a fluid that is miscible with the solvent, is a nonsolvent for the polymer, and destabilizes the colloidal dispersion. As a result, well-dispersed polymer-encapsulated nanoparticles precipitate. The method operates at atmospheric temperature and pressure and allows for independent control of the precipitation of the particle and of the polymer.

Abstract: A particulate water-absorbent agent containing a polyacrylate salt-type water-absorbent resin. The agent has an absorption capacity without load of 28 g/g or higher and has a diffusion absorption index of 1.40 to 10.0 g/g min. The amount of water-soluble components in the agent, with stirring, is 15-60% by mass. The difference between this amount and the amount of water-soluble components, without stirring, is 15-50% by mass. Also disclosed is a method of making the above-identified agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: A hybrid porous structured material may include a porous region (that forms a nanopore structure) and a non-porous region. The porous region may form a stacked structure where a plurality of spherical bodies are stacked so as to contact each other in three dimensions. The non-porous region may form a structure that fills a gap between the plurality of spherical bodies of the porous region.

Abstract: A molding material of the present invention includes a polymer having a repeating structural unit whose part or whole contains an alicyclic structure, a phenolic stabilizer, a hindered amine light stabilizer and a phosphorus stabilizer, in which at least a part of the phenolic stabilizer and/or hindered amine light stabilizer is presently adhering to the surface of particles of the above polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to tacky finishes and to the textile materials and articles treated with the tacky finishes. The tacky finishes provide improved processing features for end-use articles that contain such finishes. The tacky finish may be combined with other adhesion promotion finishes in the treatment of textile materials. The textile materials and articles may be used as rubber reinforcing materials, such as automotive tire cap ply, single end tire cord, carcass reinforcement and side wall reinforcement. End-use articles that contain the treated textile materials include rubber-containing materials such as automobile tires, belts, and hoses. This invention also relates to the methods for manufacturing the treated textile materials and articles.

Abstract: The invention is a fiber reinforced composite. The fiber reinforced composite comprises a matrix material and stainless steel fibers. The stainless steel fibers have a polygonal cross section and the stainless steel fibers have an annealed microstructure.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a polypropylene fiber (PP fiber) excellent in strength, heat resistance, and water-absorption properties, a method of producing the same, and a hydraulic composition, a rope, a sheet-shaped fiber structure, and a composite material with an organic polymer each using the PP fiber. The present invention provides: a PP fiber having a fiber having a fiber strength of 7 cN/dtex or more and having either or both of (i) DSC properties such that the endothermic peak shape by DSC is a single shape having a half width of 10° C. or lower and the melt enthalpy change (AH) is 125 J/ g and (ii) irregular properties such that the single fiber fineness is 0.i to 3 dtex and irregularities are formed on the surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a Lyocell fiber, containing a material selected from the group consisting of pearl powder, ground nacre and mixtures thereof. For the manufacture of the fiber according to the invention, a process is used comprising the steps of manufacturing a spinning solution of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide, preferably N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) spinning the spinning solution to fibers, and being characterized in that a material selected from the group consisting of pearl powder, ground nacre and mixtures thereof is admixed to the spinning solution and/or to a precursor thereof.

Abstract: Certain spin-coatable liquids and application techniques are described, which can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. A spin-coatable liquid for formation of a nanotube film includes a liquid medium containing a controlled concentration of purified nanotubes, wherein the controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity, and wherein the spin-coatable liquid comprises less than 1×1018 atoms/cm3 of metal impurities. The spin-coatable liquid is substantially free of particle impurities having a diameter of greater than about 500 nm.

Abstract: A process for producing an IPA/PET copolymer fiber that is homogenous having a substantially level, single IPA copolymer content, said fiber having improved pilling resistance and dye uptake.

Abstract: A method to prepare aqueous furnishes useful as feedstock in the manufacture of very high-mineral content products, particularly paper sheets having mineral filler content up to 90% that display the required physical properties for the intended applications; the furnishes comprise fibrillated long fibers/mineral fillers mixed with anionic acrylic binders and co-additives, in presence or absence of cellulose fibrils; the fibrillated long fibers and cellulose fibrils provide high surface area for greater filler fixation and the reinforcement backbone network that ties all of the product components together; the anionic binders allow rapid and strong fixation of filler particles onto the surfaces of fibrils when mixing is conducted at temperatures higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the binder. The aqueous furnish provides excellent filler retention and drainage during product fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stabilized bioactive hydrogel matrix coating for substrates, such as medical devices. The invention provides a coated substrate comprising a substrate having a surface, and a bioactive hydrogel matrix layer overlying the surface of the medical device, the hydrogel matrix comprising a first high molecular weight component and a second high molecular weight component, the first and second high molecular weight components each being selected from the group consisting of polyglycans and polypeptides, wherein at least one of the first and second high molecular weight components is immobilized (e.g., by covalent cross-linking) to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyurethane elastic yarn which is excellent in elongation, resilience, heat resistance, alkali resistance, chemical resistance, and capability of being dyed with a cationic dye and which is suitable for use in a stretch cloth, a wearing apparel or the like. The polyurethane elastic yarn comprises: an elastic yarn comprising a polyurethane mainly composed of a polymer diol and a diisocyanate; and a polymer of a compound having a sulfonate group contained in the elastic yarn.

Abstract: The invention relates to filled polyamide molding compounds which, in addition to a selected polymer mixture comprising two different polyamides, contain long glass fibers with a non-circular cross-sectional area. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of such molding compounds for the production of molded articles and the molded articles themselves.

Abstract: To provide fibers which retain the excellent heat resistance and flame retardancy inherent in polybenzazole fibers and pyridobisimidazole fibers, have improved post-processability and neither necessitate considerable change in production process conditions nor require a high-temperature and long-time heating treatment. With respect to the polybenzazole fiber and pyridobisimidazole fiber, in an electron diffraction diagram of a surface layer part (from the surface to 1 ?m) of the fibers, the fibers containing a crystal present in a state satisfying that S2/S1 is in a prescribed range, wherein S1 is a diffraction peak area derived from a crystal (200) plane and S2 is a diffraction peak area derived from a plurality of other crystal planes along an equatorial direction profile.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coated biodegradable materials having a reduced amount of residual catalysts and methods thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers exhibiting a water contact angle of above 150° and water contact angle hysteresis of below 15°, methods of producing the same, and applications thereof. The present invention further relates to superhydrophobic fiber mats, methods of producing the same, and applications thereof.

Abstract: Techniques for making nanowires with a desired diameter are provided. The nanowires can be grown from catalytic nanoparticles, wherein the nanowires can have substantially same diameter as the catalytic nanoparticles. Since the size or the diameter of the catalytic nanoparticles can be controlled in production of the nanoparticles, the diameter of the nanowires can be subsequently controlled as well. The catalytic nanoparticles are melted and provided with a gaseous precursor of the nanowires. When supersaturation of the catalytic nanoparticles with the gaseous precursor is reached, the gaseous precursor starts to solidify and form nanowires. The nanowires are separate from each other and not bind with each other to form a plurality of nanowires having the substantially uniform diameter.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a particulate material by a controlled agglomeration method, i.e. a method that enables a controlled growth in particle size. The method is especially suitable for use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions containing a therapeutically and/or prophylactically active substance which has a relatively low aqueous solubility and/or which is subject to chemical decomposition. The process comprising i) spraying a first composition comprising a carrier, which has a melting point of about 5° C. or more which is present in the first composition in liquid form, on a second composition comprising a material in solid form, the second composition having a temperature of at the most a temperature corresponding to the melting point of the carrier and/or the carrier composition and ii) mixing or others means of mechanical working the second composition onto which the first composition is sprayed to obtain the particulate material.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a support and a cleaning arm partly embedded in the support. The cleaning arm includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure at least partly embedded into the flexible polymer matrix. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a number of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.

Abstract: Aligned carbon nanotube-polymer composite materials, systems and methods include a substrate that carries an adhesive coating thereon. A plurality of carbon nanostructures are adhered to the substrate by the adhesive coating, such that the nanostructures are formed into a predetermined architecture, such that the architecture of the nanostructures defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanostructures, and defies the approximate spacing between the nanostructures and/or groups of nanostructures. The adherence of the carbon nanostructures in the adhesive coating stabilizes the predetermined architecture of the nanostructures, such that the architecture renders the composite material superhydrophobic.