Abstract: Water-swellable compositions, dispersions and polymer microparticles for their preparation as well as their manufactures and uses are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.

Abstract: Method for producing a nanoparticle comprised of core, first shell and second shell semiconductor materials. Effecting conversion of a core precursor composition comprising separate first and second precursor species to the core material and then depositing said first and second shells. The conversion is effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticle core. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least two of the core, first shell and second shell materials incorporate ions from groups 12 and 15, 14 and 16, or 11, 13 and 16 of the periodic table. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which the second shell material incorporates at least two different group 12 ions and group 16 ions. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least one of the core, first and second semiconductor materials incorporates group 11, 13 and 16 ions and the other semiconductor material does not incorporate group 11, 13 and 16 ions.

Abstract: A method of producing nanoparticles comprising effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition to the material of the nanoparticles, the precursor composition comprising a first precursor species containing a first ion to be incorporated into the growing nanoparticles and a second precursor species containing a second ion to be incorporated into the growing nanoparticles, said conversion being effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Artificial turf for use with an artificial turf system, which may also include a base layer and a support layer. The artificial turf comprising a backing supporting pile tufts of between ¼? to 4? in length, in position on its upper surface. The backing may comprise a porous synthetic foam or backing sheet. A filler of particles shaped to have no sharp edges and of substantially equal size are interspersed over the backing and about the tufts up to at least half thick length. The artificial turf substantially retains its resiliency, porosity and equal density throughout.

Abstract: A process for producing an absorbent polymer structure (Pa) by treating the outer portion of an untreated absorbent polymer structure (Pu1). The process includes the step of bringing the outer portion of the untreated absorbent polymer structure (Pu1) into contact with an aqueous solution including at least one chemical cross-linker and at least one inorganic compound in dispersed colloidal form. The process also includes the step of heating the absorbent polymer structure, of which the outer portion has been brought into contact with the aqueous solution, at a temperature within a range from about 40 to about 300° C., so that the outer portion of the absorbent polymer structure is more strongly cross-linked in comparison to the inner portion and the inorganic compound is at least partly immobilized in the outer portion of the absorbent polymer structure.

Abstract: Materials, apparatuses, methods, and systems for isolating and identifying mixture components on the basis of isoelectric point (“pI”). In one aspect, the materials are particles adapted to have a predetermined isoelectric point. The particles include a porous body into which a plurality of cavities extend. A substance of a predetermined isoelectric point is deposited in the cavities to provide thereby the particle's isoelectric value.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a fluorinated leveling agent and a film-forming organic polymer is described.

Abstract: Isolated and/or recombinant enzymes that include surface binding domains, surfaces with active enzymes bound to them and methods of coupling enzymes to surfaces are provided. Enzymes can include large and/or multiple surface coupling domains for surface coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a phosphor element which is based on natural and/or synthetic flake-form substrates, such as mica, corundum, silica, glass, ZrO2 or TiO2, and at least one phosphor, to the production thereof, and to the use thereof as LED conversion phosphor for white LEDs or so-called colour-on-demand applications.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a coated conductive powder particularly useful as the conductive filler of an anisotropic conductive adhesive used for electrically interconnecting circuit boards, circuit parts, and the like, and a conductive adhesive that can provide connection with high electrical reliability even for the connection of the electrodes of miniaturized electronic parts, such as IC chips, and circuit boards. The coated conductive powder of the present invention is a coated conductive powder obtained by coating the surfaces of conductive particles with an insulating substance, wherein the insulating substance is a powdery, thermally latent curing agent. Also, in the present invention, the particle surfaces of the coated conductive powder are further coated with insulating inorganic fine particles.

Abstract: The method of the present invention can 1) produce spherical and scaly ultrafine particles without pulverization, 2) obtain spherical ultrafine particles having a sharp spherical particle diameter distribution without requiring a sieving step, 3) produce spherical ultrafine particles extremely approximating a true circle and possessing a particle diameter of 100 nm˜50,000 nm allowing selection of a size suitable for the particular purpose of use and 4) produce spherical ultrafine particles on a commercial scale at low cost. There is also provided spherical ultrafine particles produced by the above production process. The spherical ultrafine particles of the present invention are characterized by a form having circularity of 0.9 to 1.0 and a particle diameter of 0.01 ?m to 10 ?m without pulverization. The spherical ultrafine particles can be produced by the method of the present invention using as a nozzle a base having special through holes and hole density.

Abstract: A system for accumulating mechanical energy comprising a carrier fluid and a plurality of porous particles distributed in the carrier fluid is disclosed. The plurality of particles are broken fragments of a lyophilic starting material having at least one pore open to an exterior of the starting material and defined by an interior surface of the starting material, wherein the exterior and interior surfaces of the lyophilic starting material comprise a coating that is lyophobic with respect to the carrier fluid.

Abstract: Coated carbon nanotubes coated with 0.01-100 parts by weight of at least one type of aromatic condensation polymer selected from the group consisting of wholly aromatic polyamides, wholly aromatic polyesters, aromatic polyester carbonates, aromatic polycarbonates, semi-aromatic polyesters and wholly aromatic azoles, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the carbon nanotubes, as well as a process for their production. Aromatic condensation polymer compositions comprising 0.01-100 parts by weight of the coated carbon nanotubes and 100 parts by weight of an aromatic condensation polymer, and molded articles formed using them.

Abstract: A roof paneling system includes a roof panel comprising an open-cell inorganic foam. The foam can decrease hydraulic conductivity of the roof paneling system, filter rainwater falling on the roof, and reflect excess heat. The open-cell inorganic foam preferably comprises a ceramic or glass, and has a porosity of at least about 20%, a mean pore size less than about 10 mm, and a thickness of at least about 10 mm. The foam can include a hydrophilic compound that further decreases the hydraulic conductivity of the foam. Optionally, the foam can have a reflectivity of at least about 20%.

Abstract: Pellets encapsulating selenium or a compound of selenium comprise one hollow cavity filled with the selenium surrounded by a matrix which is able to form an eutectic with at least one of the constituents of a batch of molten raw materials for the manufacture of glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides fine silicon-containing glass beads each having one or more cavities therein and containing nanoparticles in a glass phase of each of the silicon-containing glass beads, and a method of producing such glass beads, and also provides silicon-containing glass beads containing nanoparticles, which may be identical to or different from the nanoparticles in the glass phase, and a functional material such as pharmaceutical molecules (e.g., materials having fluorescent properties, magnetic properties, drug effects, etc.), and a method of producing such glass beads. The present invention relates to silicon-containing glass beads each having one or more cavities therein and having an average particle diameter of 20 nm to 1 ?m, the silicon-containing glass beads containing nanoparticles A in the silicon-containing glass phase, and also containing a functional material in the cavity.

Abstract: A wavelength converting material including a wavelength converting activator and a scatter is provided. The wavelength converting activator is suitable for being activated by a light with a wavelength ?1, so as to emit a light with a wavelength ?2. The scatter is disposed on the wavelength converting activator. The scatter is suitable for scattering a first light and a second light irradiated to a surface thereof. As a result of that the scatters on the wavelength converting activators increases the gap of two wavelength converting activators adjacent to each other, the wavelength converting activators could be sufficiently activated for emitting a light with wavelength ?2 while the wavelength converting materials are irradiated by the light with ?1. Therefore, the brightness of a light emitting diode with the wavelength converting material is enhanced.

Abstract: Microspheres, populations of microspheres, and methods for forming microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core microsphere and a magnetic material coupled to a surface of the core microsphere. About 50% or less of the surface of the core microsphere is covered by the magnetic material. The microsphere also includes a polymer layer surrounding the magnetic material and the core microsphere. One population of microspheres configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described above.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.

Abstract: Particulate mineral materials comprising at least one coating comprising at least one metal compound are disclosed. In one embodiment, the at least one metal compound is a metal silicate compound. In another embodiment, the at least one metal compound is a metal oxide compound. In one embodiment, the particulate mineral material is perlite. In another embodiment, the particulate mineral material is perlite microspheres. In a further embodiment, the particulate mineral material is diatomite. Methods of making particulate mineral materials coated with at least one metal compound are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the at least one metal compound may be injected into a perlite expander to form a metal compound coated perlite material. In another embodiment, the at least one metal compound may be applied through a low temperature coating process to the at least one particulate mineral material. Uses for metal compound coated particulate mineral materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition having a carrier matrix, and a particulate luminescent composition dispersed therein, the particulate luminescent composition comprising a rare-earth-doped alkaline earth fluoride represented by the formula RExA1?xF2+x?2yOy wherein RE represents a three-valent rare-earth element, A is alkaline earth, 0.002?x?0.20, and 0?y?x; the particulate luminescent composition exhibiting a luminescence spectrum having a plurality of intensity peaks at characteristic wavelengths. It is further directed to a process by contacting a surface with the composition and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable polymeric resin. Glass microspheroids are present such that upon cure of the resin the resulting article has a linear shrinkage of less than ±0.06% and a density of less than 1.65. An article formed from such a composition is further strengthened by the addition of a surface activating agent bonded to the surface of the glass microspheroids. Conventional particulate fillers when added to an inventive formulation provide enhanced performance when the filler particle has a size sufficiently small to insert within adjacent microspheroid interstitial voids. An unsaturated polyester resin so formed is particularly well suited for the formation of sheet molding compound formulations.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a powder core and method for making the same that is equipped with insulative coating having superior heat resistance, with the coating making it possible to adequately restrict the flow of eddy currents between particles. The powder core is equipped with a plurality of compound magnetic particles bonded to each other. Each of said plurality of composite magnetic particles includes: a metal magnetic particle 10; an insulative lower layer coating 20 surrounding a surface 10a of said metal magnetic particle 10; an upper layer coating 30 surrounding said lower layer coating 20 and containing silicon; and dispersed particles 50 containing a metal oxide compound and disposed in said lower layer coating 20 and/or said upper layer coating 30. A mean particle diameter R of the dispersed particles 50 meets the condition 10 nm<R?2 T, where the average thickness of the coating combining the lower layer coating 20 and the upper layer coating 30 is T.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a particle for medical use which has an excellent capability of fixing a biologically active substance and such a chemical/physical stability that the particle is less dissolved or deteriorated in a washing step, and a particle for analysis which has an excellent capability of capturing a biomolecule and such a chemical/physical stability that the particle is less dissolved or deteriorated in a washing step.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for producing a nanoscale zero-valent metal, including reduction of a metal ion solution with a dithionite compound, wherein the reduction is carried out under alkaline conditions under substantially an inert atmosphere. A nanoscale zero-valent metal obtainable by this process, and having a new crystalline form, is also described. The nanoscale zero-valent metal produced by the process of the invention is preferably iron, and is advantageously used for the remediation of contaminated water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing fine ?-alumina particles, which comprises sintering a mixture of ?-alumina precursor particles and seed crystal particles, wherein a center particle diameter of the seed crystal particles is 40 nm or less, and a ratio of the number of coarse particles having a particle diameter greater than 100 nm to the number of the total particles is 1% or less.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds, for use as liquid support and as anticaking agent, and, simultaneously, as nutrient additive in particular for animals, including of precipitated silica and phosphate selected among phosphates of elements of groups Ia or IIa of the periodic table of the elements and rare-earth phosphates, the compounds being in the form of substantially spherical pellets.

Abstract: A core-shell ceramic particulate is provided. The core-shell ceramic particulate comprises a core particulate structure comprising a plurality of primary particulates and a plurality of primary pores; and a shell at least partially enclosing the core particulate structure. Each of the primary particulates comprises a plurality of secondary particulates and a plurality of secondary pores; and the shell comprises a plurality of tertiary particulates and a plurality of tertiary pores. A method of making a core-shell ceramic particulate is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a core particulate structure comprising a plurality of primary particulates and a plurality of primary pores wherein each primary particulate comprises a plurality of secondary particulates and a plurality of secondary pores; and disposing a shell comprising a plurality of tertiary particulates and a plurality of tertiary pores onto the core particulate structure.

Abstract: A synthetic microsphere having a low alkali metal oxide content and methods of forming the microsphere and its components are provided. The synthetic microsphere is substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for natural cenospheres, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The synthetic microsphere can be made from an agglomerate precursor that includes an aluminosilicate material, such as fly ash, a blowing agent such as sugar, carbon black, and silicon carbide, and a binding agent. The synthetic microsphere is produced when the precursor is fired at a pre-determined temperature profile so as to form either solid or hollow synthetic microspheres depending on the processing conditions and/or components used.

Abstract: This invention concerns an agglomeration of particles to be used as additives for moulding thermoplastic polymers or paints, said agglomeration being in the form of chips, flakes, powder or paste in which a coating with a carrier of said particles is provided that moves in between the particles to keep them essentially separate from one another, said particles being substantially coated all over their surface.

Abstract: In the present invention, when hollow polyhedral fine particles consisting of atoms of a first element and atoms of a second element are produced, atoms of the first element and atoms of the second element are structured in a reversed micelle composed of a surfactant. Thereby, hollow polyhedral fine particles can be synthesized by simple and easy procedures.

Abstract: An aggregate turf filler for use with the turf of athletic fields and landscaped areas which comprise crushed silica sand particles (SiO2) which are substantially round in shape and are sized to be between 12 and 40 mesh. An acrylic based sealer covering the outer surface of each of the silica sand particles. Finally, providing that the silica sand particles have a smooth outer surface, possess an angle of repose of less than 30°, repel water, resist compacting, present no damaging sharp edges when incorporated with the turf and are environmentally safe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glass flake having sufficiently high visible-light absorptivity. The glass flake of the present invention includes a glass composition that contains a transition metal oxide such as an iron oxide and that allows the glass flake to have a visible-light transmittance of 85% or lower measured with an A light source when the glass flake has a thickness of 15 ?m. In this glass composition, it is preferable that the content of Fe2O3 (T?Fe2O3) in terms of the total iron satisfies the following formula, expressed in mass %: 10<T?Fe2O3?50.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a hydrophilic carbon black aggregate, a method for preparing the same, and a hydrophilic composite and a fuel cell bipolar plate, each comprising the same. The hydrophilic carbon black aggregate comprises hybrid particles having a structure in which hydrophilic inorganic particles are embedded on the surface of carbon black particles.

Abstract: A security feature having unique photoluminescent properties and a method for making the security feature. The security feature includes a silica carrier and a rare earth dopant dispersed throughout at least a portion of the silica carrier. The rare earth dopant includes a rare earth ion to which ligands and/or inorganic sensitizers are associated. The ligands and/or inorganic sensitizers are positioned to absorb energy and transfer the absorbed energy to the rare earth ion.

Abstract: Hollow silica microparticles suppress whitening of a transparent coating film and show excellent abrasion resistance and adhesiveness. The microparticles having the average particle diameter of 5 to 300 nm and the specific surface area of 50 to 1500 m2/g, and also having an outer shell in which cavities are formed. The microparticles lose the weight by 1.0 W % or more at a temperature range from 200° C. to 500° C. when measured by the thermogravimetry (TG), and the microparticles have a positive DTA peak at the temperature range when measured by the differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTA).

Abstract: A coated particle having a shimmering appearance to an observer contains a refractive particle, a transparent coating on the refractive particle, reflective particles and refractive particles embedded in the coating, with one of the reflective particles or the reflective particles primarily at a surface of the coating. Also an engineered stone has a shimmering appearance due to incorporation of coated particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multilayer pigments based on glass flakes and to a method for the production of such pigments. The resulting pigment can be used in any application for which pearlescent pigments have been heretofore used such as, for example, in plastics, paints, inks, cosmetic formulations, coatings including solvent or waterborne automotive paint systems, powder coatings, inks and agriculture foils, for the laser-marking of papers and plastics.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal associated with a polydentate ligand. The polydentate ligand stabilizes the nanocrystal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent substance comprising an alkaline earth ortho-silicate, the fluorescent substance being activated by Eu2+, and further comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Cs and K.

Abstract: Algae-resistant roofing granules include inert base particles with an exterior coating including high-surface area silver as a biocide.

Abstract: An electrical-energy-storage unit (EESU) has as a basis material a high-permittivity composition-modified barium titanate ceramic powder. This powder is double coated with the first coating being aluminum oxide and the second coating calcium magnesium aluminosilicate glass. The components of the EESU are manufactured with the use of classical ceramic fabrication techniques which include screen printing alternating multilayers of nickel electrodes and high-permittivitiy composition-modified barium titanate powder, sintering to a closed-pore porous body, followed by hot-isostatic pressing to a void-free body.

Abstract: Process for preparing by crushing, a homogenous mixture of particles containing a conductive nucleus including at least one graphite and continuously or discontinuously coated with at least one material that is different from the one constituting the nucleus, the size of the particles of the nucleus being larger than the particles used for coating the nuclei by crushing the particles together. The mixtures of particles obtained show electrochemical and mechanical properties that enable them to be advantageously used in electrochemical batteries and in paints.

Abstract: Embolic compositions and methods of delivering the compositions are disclosed. In some embodiments, an embolic composition includes a first collection of particles having a first shape, and a second collection of particles having a second shape different than the first shape.

Abstract: Nanoparticles including a molecular cluster compound incorporating ions from groups 12 and 16 of the periodic table, as well as a core semiconductor material incorporating ions from groups 13 and 15 of the periodic table, are fabricated. The core semiconductor material is provided on the molecular cluster compound.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, methods of preparation thereof, and methods of detecting a target molecule using embodiments of the nanoparticle, are disclosed. One embodiment of an exemplary nanoparticle, among others, includes a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic active composite nanostructure. The surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic active composite nanostructure includes a core, at least one reporter molecule, and an encapsulating material. The reporter molecule is bonded to the core. The reporter molecule is selected from: an isothiocyanate dye, a multi-sulfur organic dye, a multi-heterosulfur organic dye, a benzotriazole dye, and combinations thereof. The encapsulating material is disposed over the core and the reporter molecule. After encapsulation with the encapsulating material, the reporter molecule has a measurable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic signature.

Abstract: Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure and for reversibly modifying nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures.

Abstract: A material composition comprises, on the one hand, a particulate material and, on the other hand, a binder which is provided as a coating on the material particles. The binder has at least two solid phases (13, 14), of which one harder phase (14) is configurationally stable and a softer phase (13) is plastic and readily deformable at temperatures below the melting point of the binder. A method for producing the above material comprises the steps that at least two components included in the binder are melted and mixed, whereafter kneading takes place during cooling. The material composition is usable, for example, as a play material, educational material, for sculptures or prototypes or as landscape architectonic material.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include chemicals, modified pigments, and methods of preparing a modified pigment.