Abstract: An edgeless mop utilizing a relatively narrow diameter, knit tubular material to form the strands of a mop head wherein the tubular material incorporates an arrangement of elongate depressed channels and raised profile segments extending along its surface in the length direction. This construction increases the overall fluid retaining or sorbency capacity of the mop even while lowering the overall mass of the mop head.

Abstract: A method of preparing electrospun fiber tubular material comprises: using single metal rod template or two-dimensional or three-dimensional metal rod combined-template which has cross structure and is composed of the said single metal rod templates to prepare tubular electrospun fiber material by controlling electrospinning process parameters. The method could control the macro-structure and micro-structure of the tubular electrospun fiber material by adjusting template parameters. The tubular electrospun fiber material obtained from the method could be used in such fields as biomedical material, tissue engineering scaffold, photo-electric material, filtering material and sensor etc.

Abstract: An adsorbent for the removal of blood cells, which is formed from a hydrophobic polymer resin and has a surface center line average roughness of 5 to 100 nm. The hydrophobic polymer resin is preferably a polyarylate resin (PAR), polyethersulfone resin (PES), polysulfone resin (PSF), or a polymer alloy consisting of two or more of these resins. The adsorbent for the removal of blood cells can take the form of beads, hollow fibers, or solid fibers.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon producing method includes: the first process and the second process. In the first process, a surface temperature is maintained at a predetermined range by adjusting the current value to the silicon seed rod, and the raw material gas is supplied while maintaining a supply amount of chlorosilanes per square millimeter of the surface of the rod in a predetermined range until a temperature of the center portion of the rod reaches a predetermined temperature lower than the melting point of the polycrystalline silicon, and in the second process, a previously determined current value is set corresponding to a rod diameter and the supply amount of the raw material gas per square millimeter of the surface of the rod is decreased to maintain the surface temperature and the temperature of the center portion of the rod at predetermined ranges, respectively.

Abstract: Solid and hollow cylindrical nanopillars with nanoscale diameters are provided. Also provides is a method of making such nanopillars using electron beam lithography followed by the electroplating.

Abstract: Improved methods for manufacturing silicon carbide rings using chemical vapor deposition. Cylindrical tubes are used as deposition substrates and the resulting material deposited on the inside surface of cylindrical tubes or on the outside surface of cylindrical mandrels, or both, is sliced or cut into the desired ring size and shape. The resulting rings have a crystal growth that is oriented substantially planar to the finished article. The invention also relates to nitrogen doped silicon carbide material, as well as to silicon carbide structures having axes of grain growth substantially parallel to the plane of the structure and to each other, and having rotational orientation that is substantially random with respect to the axes of grain growth of the grains.

Abstract: A grade board with an integrally formed ledge projecting outwardly from the board. The board may be made of a polymeric and cellulosic composite.

Abstract: It is a problem of the present invention to provide a normal pressure cationic dyeable polyester being cationic dyeable under normal pressure, and having high strength. The problem can be solved by a normal pressure cationic dyeable polyester, characterized by being a copolymerized polyester having a main repeating unit including ethylene terephthalate, and including, in an acid component forming the copolymerized polyester, a metal salt of sulfoisophthalic acid (A) and a compound (B) which is a phosphonium salt of sulfoisophthalic acid or the like in such a state as to simultaneously satisfy the two mathematical expressions. Preferably, the glass transition temperature of the copolymerized polyester is within the range of 70 to 85° C., and the intrinsic viscosity of the copolymerized polyester is within the range of 0.55 to 1.00 dL/g. Further, by melt spinning the copolymerized polyester, it is possible to provide a polyester fiber.

Abstract: A hydrophilic semipermeable hollow-fibre membrane for blood treatment, with an integrally asymmetric structure based on a synthetic polymer. The hollow-fiber membrane possess on its inner surface a separating layer and an adjoining open-pored supporting layer, and has an ultrafiltration rate in albumin solution of 5 to ?25 ml/(h·m2·mmHg). The hollow fiber membrane is free from pore-stabilizing additives and has a maximum sieving coefficient for albumin of 0.005 and a sieving coefficient of cytochrome c that satisfies the equation SCcc?5·10?5·UFRAlb3?0.004·UFRAlb2+0.1081·UFRAlb?0.25.

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: An auxetic fiber and corresponding material that not only responds to an external force, but also responds to moisture. The auxetic fiber is made in part from a moisture activated shrinking filament. Even if no external force is applied to the fiber, a pseudo tensile force is created by wetting the auxetic fiber.

Abstract: This invention disclosure describes methods for the fabrication of metal oxide films on surfaces by topotactic anion exchange, and laminate structures enabled by the method. A precursor metal-nonmetal film is deposited on the surface, and is subsequently oxidized via topotactic anion exchange to yield a topotactic metal-oxide product film. The structures include a metal-oxide layer(s) and/or a metal-nonmetal layer(s).

Abstract: This invention provides hollow fibers impregnated with gel in which the gel firmly adheres to the inner walls of the hollow fibers due to the introduction of comb polymers on the inner walls of the hollow fibers. These hollow fibers impregnated with gel have no gaps at the interfaces between the inner walls thereof and the gel. Accordingly, analysis can be performed with high accuracy. Also, thin slices obtained by bundling these hollow fibers and then slicing this bundle have sufficient adhesion between the gel and the inner walls of the hollow fibers. This also prevents gel from becoming detached from the inner walls at the time of slicing or during operations such as hybridization.

Abstract: The present invention provides wicks for use in vapor dispensing devices which can facilitate manufacture or assembly of the vapor dispensing devices. In one embodiment, a wick of the present invention comprises a porous body, a first end and a second end, the first end having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the body, and the second end having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanoporous fiber being substantially free from coarse pores and having homogeneously dispersed nanopores, unlike conventional porous fibers. A porous fiber has pores each having a diameter of 100 nm or less, in which the area ratio of pores each having a diameter of 200 nm or more to the total cross section of the fiber is 1.5% or less, and the pores are unconnected pores, or a porous fiber has pores each having a diameter of 100 nm or less, in which the area ratio of pores each having a diameter of 200 nm or more to the total cross section of the fiber is 1.5% or less, the pores are connected pores, and the fiber has a strength of 1.0 cN/dtex or more.

Abstract: A composite tubing includes: an outer tubing which is prepared by seaming along a lengthwise direction two lateral sides of a lengthwise-extending strip made from a deformable material, the lateral sides being disposed opposite to each other in a transverse direction relative to the lengthwise direction, and being superimposed on each other so as to form a tubular body and a seamed ridge, the tubular body including a force-bearing-side half and a ridge-side half cooperating with each other to define a compressible tubular chamber, the seamed ridge extending from the ridge-side half radially and lengthwise; and a fiber-based rope disposed to extend lengthwise in the compressible tubular chamber, and being of a dimension such that, when the force-bearing-side half is pressed and deformed, the fiber-based rope is shiftable against the ridge-side half so as to vest the tubular body with an increased strength while preserving the padding effect of the force-bearing-side half.

Abstract: A suspension of inorganic particles, a copolymer comprising soft segments and hard segments, and a solvent may be extruded through a spinnerette to produce inorganic/organic composite hollow precursor fibers. The precursor fibers may be sintered. The fibers may be utilized in a gas separation module for separation of a gas mixture or production of syngas. The fibers may be installed in the gas separation module after sintering or they may be sintered after installation.

Abstract: Methods for modifying carbon nanotubes with organic compounds are disclosed. The modified carbon nanotubes have enhanced compatibility with polyolefins. Nanocomposites of the organo-modified carbon nanotubes and polyolefins can be used to produce both fibers and films having enhanced mechanical and electrical properties, especially the elongation-to-break ratio and the toughness of the fibers and/or films.

Abstract: A penetration resistant composite comprises a substrate material comprising woven, layered or intertwined polarized strands of glass, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite fibers, a salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, double metal salts and/or mixtures of two or more thereof or a metal hydride polar bonded on the surface of said fibers and/or strands of fibers at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a substantially water impermeable coating thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality capillary tube used in an electrophoresis apparatus in a safe and inexpensive manner. A polymer coating on a capillary tube is converted into gas and removed through an oxidative reaction with oxygen radicals resulting from ozone decomposition, thereby providing tapered polymer coating. The material of the polymer may be polyimide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hollow fiber that includes a hollow positioned at the center of the hollow fiber, macropores positioned at adjacent to the hollow, and mesopores and picopores positioned at adjacent to macropores, and the picopores are three dimensionally connected to each other to form a three dimensional network structure. The hollow fiber includes a polymer derived from polyimide, and the polyimide includes a repeating unit obtained from aromatic diamine including at least one ortho-positioned functional group with respect to an amine group and dianhydride.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a polymer blend of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), wherein the poly(vinylacetate) is present in an amount ranging between about 20 wt % and about 80 wt %, and poly(acrylic acid) is present in an amount ranging between about 80 wt % and about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the blend. In another embodiment is provided a fiber produced from this polymer blend, and which has cells therein. In another embodiment is provided a flavorant release material comprising the porous fiber disclosed herein, and one or more flavorants disposed in a longitudinally extending core within the fiber. In another embodiment is provided a polymer fiber membrane containing a hollow, porous fiber formed from the polymer blend disclosed herein. In another embodiment is provided a filter containing the fiber described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hollow fiber that includes a hollow positioned at the center of the hollow fiber, macropores positioned at adjacent to the hollow, and mesopores and picopores positioned at adjacent to macropores, and the picopores are three dimensionally connected to each other to form a three dimensional network structure. The hollow fiber includes a polymer derived from polyamic acid, and the polyamic acid includes a repeating unit obtained from aromatic diamine including at least one ortho-positioned functional group with respect to an amine group and dianhydride.

Abstract: One or more tubular carbon fiber stringers are axially aligned with the lengthwise dimension of a water sport board, such as a surfboard. A tubular carbon fiber stringer may have vertical shaping tabs reaching opposed major surfaces of the board and laterally extending tabs that register the stringer position inside of a board by fitting in Channels that tightly nest the stringer in the board. Tublar carbon fiber stringers, designed to extend more than half the length of a board, may be made by molding symmetric halves, then joining the halves together, or by winding carbon fiber around a mandrel, epoxying the fiber in place and removing the mandrel. Board blanks have openings to seat the tubular stringers, such as by seating in board halves, or a tubular stringer may be seated in an empty board blank mold with foam blown around the stringer.

Abstract: An aluminum nitride ceramic including aluminum nitride grains and grain boundary phases comprises a grain boundary phase-rich layer including more amount of the grain boundary phases in a surface layer of the aluminum nitride ceramic than in an inside of the aluminum nitride ceramic. The grain boundary phases in the grain boundary phase-rich layer include at least one of rare earth element and alkali earth element.

Abstract: A dispersion of inorganic particles, a copolymer comprising soft segments and hard segments, and a solvent may be extruded through a spinnerette to produce inorganic/organic composite hollow precursor fibers. The precursor fibers may be sintered to produce hollow ceramic fibers.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to functionalizing nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. In certain implementations, the polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups for functionalizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to solubilize nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups for solubilizing such nanotubes. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. The polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups that are suitable for solubilizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Provided are methods for dissolving polyamides under ambient conditions and for forming polyamide nanofibers by electrospinning. Also provided are methods for incorporating nanoparticles, including nanotubes, into such nanofibers.

Abstract: Processes for forming polymer fibers, comprising: (a) providing a colloidal dispersion of at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and (b) electrospinning the colloidal dispersion; polymer fibers prepared by such processes; and colloidal dispersions comprising: at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and at least 10% by weight of a water-soluble polymer having a solubility in water of at least 0.1% by weight.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed toward compositions of supercapacitor electrode materials containing a functionalized carbon nanotube-containing material substantially free of binder material and methods for preparing the functionalized carbon nanotube-containing material.

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 edgeless mop utilizing a relatively narrow diameter, knit tubular material to form the strands of a mop head wherein the tubular material incorporates an arrangement of elongate depressed channels and raised profile segments extending along its surface in the length direction. This construction increases the overall fluid retaining or sorbency capacity of the mop even while lowering the overall mass of the mop head.

Abstract: By coating the outer surface of carbon nanotubes with various polymers of different properties, such properties as insulation property, reactivity, optical visibility, solvent dispersion property and so on are given to the outer surface of the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube composite material contains a carbon nanotube and a continuous layer of a metal covering the inner surface of the carbon nanotube. It is produced by forming a metallic matrix layer and treating the metallic matrix layer to form plural nanoholes in the metallic matrix layer to thereby form a nanohole structure, the nanoholes extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the metallic matrix layer; forming carbon nanotubes inside the nanoholes; and covering inner surfaces of the carbon nanotubes with a continuous layer of a metal. It has a well controlled small size, has excellent and uniform physical properties, is resistant to oxidation of the metal with time, is highly chemically stable, has good durability enabling repetitive use, has good coatability, high wettability and dispersibility with other materials, is easily chemically modified, is easily handled and is useful in various fields.

Abstract: A compound for use in an electroluminescent device, including 0.001% to 10% by weight of nanostructure and a polyfluorene polymer. The compound can be used as a light emitting layer of an EL device including a cathode, an anode, and the light emitting layer disposed between the cathode and the anode. The EL device can be manufactured by providing a substrate, providing an anode or cathode on the substrate, and depositing the emitting layer on the substrate. The compound can be manufactured by ultrasonically cutting nanostructures and mixing the nanostructures with a polymer, such as the polyfluorene polymer.

Abstract: A fiber contains a fluorine-containing copolymer such as EFEP. The fiber is preferably a non-hollow monofilament fiber, and the fluorine-containing copolymer preferably has a melt index (MI) below 100. A fabric contains a fluorine-containing copolymer such as EFEP. The fabric preferably includes non-hollow monofilament fibers, which contain the fluorine-containing copolymer, and the fluorine-containing copolymer preferably has a melt index (MI) below 100.

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 new, non-wrapping approach to solubilize nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups for solubilizing such nanotubes. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. The polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups that are suitable for solubilizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component fiber having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of manufacturing thereof. The multi-component fiber comprises a fiber body formed from a plurality of elongated members, at least one of the elongated members comprising a temperature regulating material dispersed therein. The temperature regulating material comprises a phase change material. The multi-component fiber may be formed via a melt spinning process or a solution spinning process and may be used or incorporated in various products where a thermal regulating property is desired. For example, the multi-component fiber may be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to functionalizing nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. In certain implementations, the polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups for functionalizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multicomponent fibers, and particularly sheath-and-core type multicomponent fibers including elastic polymers. The multicomponent fibers have at least three cross sectional elements, wherein a first cross sectional element is an outer sheath element, the second cross sectional element is an inner sheath element, and the third cross sectional element may be either a hollow element or a filled core element.

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 graphitized fine carbon fiber comprising a hollow space extending along its center axis, and a plurality of graphene sheets, wherein the fiber has an end surface comprising a portion of discontinuity in which ends of graphene sheets are not bonded to one another and at least one portion of continuity comprised of at least one group of graphene sheets in which one graphene sheet is bonded to another graphene sheet adjacent thereto.

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: A bulked continuous filament with a three-sided exterior configuration is characterized in that each side has a smoothly curved contour extending between a first and a second rounded tip with an inwardly extending depressed region being disposed adjacent to each tip. Generally, the filament has an exterior modification ratio in the range from about 1.4 to about 2.5, and a tip ratio in the range from about 2.0 to about 10.0. The filament generally delta-shaped void with three major apices extending centrally and axially therethrough. Each side of the void is convexly shaped and formed from a pair of facets that meet to define minor apices. The void is oriented such that each major apex extends toward the approximate midpoint of one side of the exterior of the filament and each minor apex extends toward a tip of an exterior side.

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: A fine carbon fiber mixture produced through a vapor-growth process, which comprises fine carbon fiber, each fiber filament of the fiber having an outer diameter of 1 to 500 nm and an aspect ratio of 10 to 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; and non-fibrous carbon such as flake-like carbon, granular carbon, or sheet-like carbon. A composition comprising a resin or a rubber and a fine carbon fiber mixture as above contained therein. An electrically conductive article or a sliding article comprising the composition.

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.