Abstract: A system for applying tension to a component for use in molten metal processing. Preferably, the component includes an outer core and at least one tension rod positioned partially within the outer core. The component is preferably elongated, such as a support post or an impeller shaft. The tension rod applies compression to the outer cover, which makes the outer cover more resistant to breakage if it strikes, or is stricken by, an object.

Abstract: An intumescent rod comprising an intumescent component formed of an intumescent material and a polymer matrix. The intumescent rod may include a second component forming a covering, core or layer adjacent the intumescent component. A method for manufacturing an intumescent rod including molding or extrusion of at least one of an intumescent component and an optional second component.

Abstract: A reinforced object of the invention comprises: at least one structural layer; and at least one reinforcing rod positioned on or within the at least one structural layer, wherein the object is an elongated object, with the at least one reinforcing rod longitudinally positioned essentially parallel to a central axis thereof. A method of manufacturing the reinforced object comprises steps of: providing a mold; and positioning the at least one reinforcing rod such that it is positioned on or within the at least one structural layer in the reinforced object formed in the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind tower systems and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite FRP wind tower system including a plurality of tower cells for functional engagement with adjacent tower cells along mating surfaces to form a tower section, each tower cell including a lower end and an upper end for telescopic engagement with a tower cell of an adjacent tower section.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing asymmetric braid reinforced capillary ultra- or micro-filtration membranes (1), including the subsequent steps of pulling a tubular braid (5) through a spinneret (7) and coating the braid with a dope. Prior to the coating step, the braid is impregnated with a non-coagulation liquid, being a liquid which does not cause coagulation of the dope, when brought in contact with the dope. The result is a membrane with an outer skin, i.e. smaller pores near the outside diameter than near the inside diameter, and a coating which is closely arranged around the outside diameter of the braid, without any substantial penetration of the coating into the braid.

Abstract: Composite materials comprise nanotubes and a polymer. The nanotubes and polymer interact in an ordered fashion at an interfacial region. The interface is crystalline or semi crystalline.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a microencapsulated fire retardant and the uses thereof. The inventive micro-encapsulated fire retardant comprises a core containing a fire retardant and a shell of a natural microtubule, wherein the core is encapsulated by the shell. The microencapsulated fire retardant of the present invention can be composited into a certain polymeric substrate by a mixing method so as to form into a corresponding, fire-retardant polymeric composite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric material having an anisotropic shape and comprising multiple cavities, wherein said cavities comprise a functional liquid. The invention also relates to a process of making the polymeric material from an emulsion of a functional liquid with a polymer in solution, in the melt or a polymer precursor which reacts to obtain the polymeric material having cavities filled with functional liquid.

Abstract: A fiber structure for propagating one or more zero group-velocity modes is provided. The fiber structure includes a cladding arrangement comprising a photonic crystal having a complete bandgap at a specified index. A core is formed in a selective region of the cladding arrangement. The core allows the propagation of the one or more group-velocity modes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hollow fiber membrane for a humidifier which exhibits superior moisture/heat-resistance and excellent hydrophilicity and can be manufactured at low cost, and a method for manufacturing the same. The hollow fiber membrane includes a tube-type first hydrophilic polymer film having a hollow center, and a second hydrophilic polymer film coated on the inner surface of the tube-type first hydrophilic polymer film. The method includes producing an intermediate hollow fiber membrane from a first hydrophilic polymer material, potting the intermediate hollow fiber membrane in a housing to produce an intermediate hollow fiber membrane module, and coating a second hydrophilic polymer film on the inner surface of the intermediate hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter and articles of manufacture comprising SWNTs as nanometer scale conducting rods dispersed in an electrically-insulating matrix. These compositions of matter have novel and useful electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties including applications in antennas, electromagnetic and electro-optic devices, and high-toughness materials. Other compositions of matter and articles of manufacture are disclosed. including polymer-coated and polymer wrapped single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs), small ropes of polymer-coated and polymer-wrapped SWNTs and materials comprising same. This composition provides one embodiment of the SWNT conducting-rod composite mentioned above, and also enables creation of high-concentration suspensions of SWNTs and compatibilization of SWNTs with polymeric matrices in composite materials.

Abstract: A method of producing a microtube is provided. The method comprising co-electrospinning two polymeric solutions through co-axial capillaries to thereby produce the microtube, wherein a first polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a shell of the microtube and a second polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a coat over an internal surface of the shell, the first polymeric solution is selected solidifying faster than the second polymeric solution and a solvent of the second polymeric solution is selected incapable of dissolving the first polymeric solution. Also provided are electrospun microtubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite yarn including a filament yarn of an inorganic or organic material and a matrix of polymer material, the filament yarn being coated, extruded, or incorporated in the polymer material matrix. The matrix includes at least one foamed polymer. A composite yarn is characterized in that it has a core of an above-mentioned composite yarn and is coated, extruded or incorporated in a second polymer material matrix surrounding the core. Various methods may be used for producing the inventive yarns by coating and extrusion.

Abstract: Metal-polymer hybrid nanomaterials are provided. The hybrid nanomaterials comprise nanotubes or nanowires and metal layers formed on the inner or outer surfaces of the nanotubes or the outer surfaces of the nanowires. The nanotubes or nanowires include a light-emitting ?-conjugated polymer and the metal layers are composed of a metal whose surface plasmon energy level is close to the energy band gap of the nanotubes or nanowires. Further provided are a method for preparing the hybrid nanomaterials, a method for controlling the optical properties of the hybrid nanomaterials, and an optoelectronic device using the hybrid nanomaterials. Energy transfer and electron transfer based on surface plasmon resonance increases the number of excitons in the conduction band of the nanotubes or nanowires including the light- emitting polymer, resulting in a remarkable increase in the luminescence intensity of the metal-polymer hybrid nanomaterials.

Abstract: Polyethyleneimine and polyalkylene biguanide ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: Nanofibers and methods for making the nanofibers are described. Porous metal oxide nanofibers and porous metal oxide nanofibers comprising metal nanoparticles made via electrospinning methods are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hollow fiber membrane for feeding a mixture into the hollow space thereof, in which the mixture to be separated is fed into the hollow space of the hollow fiber membrane and allowed to permeate through a porous membrane comprising an active layer. The hollow fiber membrane is manufactured by forming a tubular active layer having a hollow space and making a polymer fiber braid, a metal wire braid or a braid consisting of a mixture of polymer fiber with metal wire, directly on the outer surface of the tubular layer, such that the active layer can be prevented from being expanded if a high-temperature, high-pressure mixture is fed into the hollow space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a braid-reinforced hollow fiber membrane, comprising an active layer formed on the surface of a tubular braid, wherein the braid is made of a mixture of metal wire with polymer fiber. The hollow fiber membrane can be used in separation processes at high pressure due to the pressure resistance thereof, can be used in the separation of organic solvents at high temperature due to the dimensional stability thereof, and in addition, can be used in various applications due to the electrical conductivity thereof.

Abstract: A hollow fibre containing one or more layers having a mean pore size in one or more of said layers of less than 100 ?m. The invention also extends to a method for preparing porous hollow fibres and to the apparatus for preparing said fibres.

Abstract: (1) A carbonaceous material for forming an electrically conductive composition, comprising a vapor grown carbon fiber, each fiber filament of the carbon fiber having an outer diameter of 2 to 500 nm and an aspect ratio of 10 to 15,000, or the carbon fiber containing boron in an amount of 0.01 to 5 mass %, and graphitic particles and/or amorphous carbon particles, wherein the amount of the vapor grown carbon fiber is 10 to 90 mass %, the amount of the graphitic particles is 0 to 65 mass %, and the amount of the amorphous carbon particles is 0 to 35 mass %; (2) an electrically conductive composition comprising the carbonaceous material for forming an electrically conductive composition, and a producing method thereof; (3) an electrically conductive coating material comprising, as an electrically conductive material, the electrically conductive composition, and an electrically conductive coating film and electric device using the electrically conductive coating material.

Abstract: The invention mainly concerns a method for making a composite RTM part (23) which consists in producing a dry fibrous preform (8) by inserting in said dry preform (8) composite parts (10, 11) made of prepregs. Said parts, pre-impregnated with a first resin, are partly polymerized. The assembly is placed in a mold (16). A second resin is injected into the mold and impregnates the dry fibers (7). The two resins are polymerized simultaneously. The partial polymerization of the pre-impregnated parts (10, 11) results in a good chemical bonding between the two resins. The pre-impregnated parts (10, 11) have better mechanical properties, in particular in compression, than RTM parts. This is particularly due to a better alignment of the fibers (12) in the direction of stresses, and to a higher fiber volume ratio. The final component (23), reinforced with pre-impregnated parts, has better mechanical properties than the same RTM component without pre-impregnated reinforcements, in particular in compression.

Abstract: An improved reinforcing element, and devices and methods for producing a wrapped assembly reinforcing element comprising at least one center core member formed from at least one center core strand, wherein the at least one center core member is wrapped with a reinforced thermoplastic resin comprising complete fiber strand dispersion and wet out without breaking fiber filaments after cutting the fiber to a designated length in the wrapping resin. The resulting wrapped assembly may be used in a variety of ways, including virtually any construction project requiring a lightweight reinforcing member with high tensile and compression strength.

Abstract: Embolic particles, embolic particle chains, and methods for making embolic particles and embolic particle chains are described.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions, apparatus, and methods comprising sorbent fibers. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards sorbent fiber compositions for temperature swing adsorption processes. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise sorbent fiber compositions, apparatus comprising a plurality of sorbent fibers, and methods of using the same for the capture of at least one component from a medium, for example CO2 from flue gas.

Abstract: Methods for preparing porous inorganic coatings on porous supports using certain pore fillers, and porous supports coated with porous inorganic coatings. The porous inorganic coatings may serve as membranes useful in, for example, liquid-liquid, liquid-particulate, gas-gas, or gas-particulate separation applications.

Abstract: A method of coating a polymeric resinous thin film on the surface of a tubular braid reinforcing material, wherein a polymeric resinous coating material is spin coated on the surface of an annular braid, the coated braid is extruded into the air, and the coating material is coagulated in a coagulating bath, wherein the ratio of the spin coating feed ratio (Q) one the braid advancing speed (v) with respect to a unit outer diameter (D0) of the braid is represented by the formula k ? ( g ? / ? m 2 ) = Q ? ( g ? / ? min ) v ? ( m ? / ? min ) ? D 0 ? ( m ) within the range of 200 to 3,000 g/m2.

Abstract: An optical antenna collects, modifies and emits energy at light wavelengths. Linear conductors sized to correspond to the light wavelengths are used. Nonlinear junctions of small dimension are used to rectify an alternating waveform induced upon the conductors by the lightwave electromagnetic energy. The optical antenna and junctions are effective to produce harmonic energy at light wavelengths. The linear conductors may be comprised of carbon nanotubes that are attached to a substrate material, which may then be connected to an electrical port.

Abstract: A braid-reinforced hollow fiber membrane which includes a reinforcing material of a tubular braid and a polymer resinous thin film coated on the surface of the reinforcing material. The polymer resinous thin film has a skin layer with micro pores having a diameter in the range from 0.01 to 1 ?m and an inner layer of a sponge structure with micro pores having a diameter less than 10 ?m. The hollow fiber membrane exhibits excellent mechanical strength, reliable filtration and simultaneously, good water permeability.

Abstract: A glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire is encoded with multi-bit digital information. Encoding is achieved magnetically, optically or through a combination of magnetic and optical encoding processes. Magnetic encoding is carried out by modifying the constituent magnetic domain structure through selective relief of interfacial stress between the glass coating and the amorphous metallic alloy core. It is also achieved by selective surface crystallization of the amorphous metallic core in order to produce a controlled magnetic bias field. Optical encoding is associated with the glass coating. It is readily achieved by fluorescent element deposition, patterned removal of fluorescent element coating, Bragg grating, and thermally activated pattern deposition. The magnetic and optical multi-bit encoding approaches for glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire can be used individually or collectively in either a redundant or a complementary manner.

Abstract: Ordered elastomeric composites comprise an ordered arrangement of a number of first elastomeric phases distributed uniformly within a continuous matrix second elastomeric phase. The second phase can be formed from an elastomeric material that is relatively harder than an elastomeric material that is used to form the first phases. Each first phase can be in the form of a core having a defined length and diameter, and the second phase can be formed from a number of shells that each surround a respective core. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement of cores and shells are aligned coaxially with one another to provide a cellular structure. Ordered elastomeric composites of this invention can be used to form part of or an entire elastomeric seal, e.g., in the form of an annular ring adapted for use in a rotary cone drill bit.

Abstract: An enrobed a core, such as a tablet core, that has a coating made of one or more patterned films each having portions that are visually distinct (e.g., differently colored) from one another and having a transition line segment between these visually distinct portions. At least a portion of an outer surface of the core is covered with the film or films, such that the transition line segments form a substantially continuous transition line on the coating and a film seam is formed which is different from the transition line. Where the patterned films are bi-colored, the resulting enrobed core can be bi-colored, or the resulting enrobed core can have a coating with at least four visually distinct portions alternately arranged thereon, thereby forming a “checkerboard” pattern on the coating. In either case, the film seam of the coating is different from the transition line of the coating.

Abstract: An expandable tubular fabric formed by heat setting a plurality of thermoplastic yarns producing drawn thermoplastic yarns, arranging these yarns in an array and in juxtaposed positions and moving them in a first direction. Extruding at least one filament along a circular or other shaped path about the moving array of drawn yarns and causing the extruded filament(s) to bond with the array of yarns. Finally, setting the extruded filament in bonded position with the array of yarns holding them in relative fixed positions and forming the fabric stable.

Abstract: A thermal interface includes nanofibrils. The nanofibrils may be attached to a flat base or membrane, or may be attached to the tip portions of larger diameter fibers. The nanofibrils have a diameter of less than about 1 micron, and may advantageously be formed from single walled and/or multi-walled nanotubes.

Abstract: A fiber velvet comprising nano-size fibers or nanofibrils attached to micro-size fibers is disclosed. Methods of manufacturing the velvet as well as various uses of the velvet are also described. For example, the fiber velvet can be used as a thermal interface or as an adhesive material. The nanofibrils may be attached to a flat base or membrane, or may be attached to the tip portions of the micro-size or larger diameter fibers. Various attributes of the micro-size fibers and of the nano-size fibers, for example, geometry (e.g. size, length, packing density) material type (e.g. carbon, metal, polymer, or ceramic) and properties (e.g. conductivity, modulus, surface energy, dielectric constant, surface roughness) can be selected depending on the desired attributes of the fiber velvet. The nanofibrils have a diameter of less than about 1 micron, and may advantageously be formed from single walled and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making shaped structures with internally coated cavities with an inside diameter in the nanometer to micrometer range and the shaped structure obtained thereby.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microcellular fibers, in which microcells are formed with a density of more than 107 cells/cm3 with a supercritical fluid introduced into fiber forming polymers and have a rate of volume expansion of 1.2 to 50, ratio of microcell length to microcell diameter of more than 2 and a monofilament diameter of more than 5 ?m. The microcellular fibers provide high and uniform cell densities and are good in the rate of volume expansion and the ratio of cell length to cell diameter, thus they are very excellent in lightweight feeling and touch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing self-texturing hollow fiber that exhibits a desirable tendency to coil rather than to bend sharply or zig-zag. In one embodiment the invention is a spinneret for the production of hollow filament having first and second curved slots where each slot is defined by a first end having a first width and a second end having a second width and where the first and second ends are separated by an intermediate portion possessing a non-uniform width. In another embodiment the invention is a method for of producing generally cylindrical hollow filaments comprising extruding a polymer melt through a spinneret having first and second curved slots where each slot has a first end having a first width and a second end having a second width and where the first and second ends are separated by a intermediate portion possessing a non-uniform width along the continuum defined by the distance between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: Aqueous coating compositions containing a film-forming polymer, at least one flame retardant or smoke suppressant, glass or ceramic microballoons, and expandable flake graphite may be applied to building components pre- or post-installation, and provide a flexible and adherent coating. When exposed to heat, the coating expands to form an insulative yet cohesive layer which protects the component from fire-induced damage.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-functional markers for use on various products, particularly products which have one or more visually indistinguishable characteristics, for identifying and/or providing information about such products, and to processes and materials for making and using such markers.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit is provided with an array of spacers/pillars between opposing glass sheets. At least some of the spacers/pillars are coated on at least one surface thereof with a dry lubricant and/or reflective material such as silver. This coating permits the glass sheet(s) to move relative to one another during thermal expansion while minimizing the degree to which the spacers/pillars scratch or crack the glass during such relative movement. A method of making an exemplary spacer/pillar includes transforming by chemical reaction silver ions on a core into a metallic silver coating thereby resulting in a coated spacer/pillar.

Abstract: Insulating product based on mineral wool sized with a binder based on a phenol-formaldehyde resin, in which the binder comprises, as a mixture: 60 to 90 parts by weight of a phenol-formaldehyde resol having a free formaldehyde content of less than or equal to 25% by weight with respect to the dry weight of resin and a free phenol content of less than or equal to 2.5% by weight with respect to the dry weight of resin, obtained by condensation in basic medium of phenol (P) and formaldehyde (F) in an F/P molar ratio of around 2.5 to 4 until the condensation product neutralized by sulphuric acid has a water dilutability of greater than 500% and less than or equal to 1500%; 10 to 40 parts by weight of urea. Use of such a sizing composition for manufacturing insulating products, while reducing the emissions of ammonia gas on the manufacturing line.

Abstract: A composite textile includes a batting layer, a cushion layer, and a face fabric. The batting layer has high melt temperature and low melt temperature fibers. The cushion layer is needled to the batting layer. The face fabric is bonded to the cushion layer by an adhesive. The face material/cushion layer/batting layer is heat set and rolled onto a roll for use in forming composite parts. The composite textile is more readily recyclable when the batting layer, the cushion layer, the adhesive, and the face material are all formed completely from material of the same chemical nature, such as polyolefin, polyester, or the like.

Abstract: A material and method for providing a laminate of at least two layers to provide breathability and moisture barrier properties without appreciably reducing elastic properties. A first material comprises a woven or nonwoven web and a second material comprises a cellular elastomer film or fiber. Such materials may be integrated into a laminate by forming said first material onto said second material, or by joining the two materials through chemical or physical means such as the use of adhesives. The second material can be prepared by mixing a cell opening agent with the elastomeric polymer resin and extruding the mixture at appropriate conditions whereby the cell opening agent decomposes or reacts to release a gas that forms cells in the elastomer film.

Abstract: The invention provides a profiled polymer filament having an open hollow cross-sectional shape normal to the longitudinal axis of the filament, wherein the cross-section is dimensioned to prevent the filament from interlocking with a second filament of the same cross-section. The invention also provides methods of manufacture of such filaments by melt spinning a polyamide, and spinnerets suitable for use in melt spinning such filaments.

Abstract: Polymeric structures produced with a controlled number and distribution of small, closed cells. The polymeric structures are characterized by an opaque, whitening appearance attributed, at least in part, to the distribution of closed cells and thus, at least in part, to light scattering resulting from the distribution of small, closed cells or voids. The light scattering thus provides an enhanced whitening effect. The whitening effect may be uniform or non-uniform along the length and width of the structure.

Abstract: A fine carbon fiber, the main body of each fiber filament of the fiber having an outer diameter of about 1 to about 500 nm and an aspect ratio of about 10 to about 15,000 and comprising a hollow space extending along its center axis and a multi-layer sheath structure consisting of a plurality of carbon layers, the layers forming concentric rings, wherein the fiber filament has a nodular portion which is formed of outwardly protruding carbon layers or formed of a locally increased number of carbon layers. A similar fine carbon fiber, in which the fiber filament has repeatedly enlarged protruding portions and the filament diameter varies along with the length of the filament, the ratio of the diameter (d?) of a fiber filament of the fiber as measured at the outwardly enlarged portions to the diameter (d) of a fiber filament of the fiber as measured at a position at which no outwardly enlarged portions is present; i.e., d?/d, being about 1.05 to about 3, is also provided.

Abstract: The invention describes elastane packages on cylindrical tubes which are provided with a finishing oil content varying over the filament length, and a method for the production thereof. Instead of being applied uniformly along the filament, the finishing oil is distinctly increased on the outermost part, constituting in particular at least 3%, of the filament wound onto the tubes such that the oil coat in this region is at least 1.2 times higher than in the remaining region of the package. This gives rise to a finishing coat gradient of the package from the outside (high) inwards (low).

Abstract: The present invention provides nano-porous fibers and protein membrane compositions. In certain embodiments, continuous fiber compositions are provided having nanometer sized diameters and surface pores. In another embodiment, a protein membrane composition is provided comprising a protein; and a polymer, wherein the protein and the polymer are electrospun to form a protein membrane composition. In certain instance, the protein is covalently bound to the fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to porous fiber comprising a polymeric material, said fiber having a diameter of 20 to 4000 nm and pores in the form of channels extending at least to the core of said fiber and/or through said fiber. The process for producing the porous fiber comprises electrospinning a 5 to 20% by weight solution of at least one polymer in an organic solvent using an electric field above 105 V/m to obtain a fiber having a diameter of 20 to 4000 nm and pores in the form of channels extending at least to the core of said fiber and/or through said fiber. The porous fiber may be used as a carrier for a catalyst, as an adsorbent or absorbent or as a biomaterial, may be chemically modified or functionalized or may be used as a template for producing highly porous solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure (13), comprising metallic elements (15) (16), to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles (14) comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements with structural deformations in order to improve the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used. The metallic elements run essentially parallel to each other.