Abstract: Animal feed formed with a base of palm fronds and combined with palm fruit, such as dates, is a sustainable and affordable feed product that can be developed in hot climates. Palm fronds with a desired moisture content are shredded, chopped, and/or ground, and mixed with palm fruit. Additives such as urea can increase the nutritional content. Feeds with palm fronds, palm fruit, and/or additives can serve as a base feed for other components. Palm fronds can also serve as a base feed for other components. Animal feeds with a variety of bases can have palm fruit added. Animal feeds with a variety of bases, including palm fronds, can include a variety of other components added.

Abstract: An external preparation for skin and an aerogel paste are provided. The external preparation for skin comprises aerogel powder and a solvent. The aerogel powder includes a mixture of aerogel particles having a hydrophilic functional group on a surface thereof and aerogel particles having a hydrophobic functional group on a surface thereof. The hydrophilic functional group is a hydroxy group, and the hydrophobic functional group is hydrogen, a C1 to C18 alkyl group, a silyloxy group represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, or a combination thereof: [Chemical Formula 1] *—OSiH(3-n)R1n wherein R1 is a C1 to C18 alkyl group, n is an integer ranging from 0 to 3, and * denotes a bond.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are core-shell particles and process for preparing the same. The core-shell particles include a functional core, a multilayer or porous shell surrounding the functional core and polymeric tails extending from the shell. The functional core includes an antimicrobial agent or an antitumor agent. Also disclosed herein are pharmaceutical or health care compositions containing the core-shell particles.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing catalyst beads of bulk transmission metal carbides, nitrides and phosphides is provided. The method includes providing an aqueous suspension of transition metal oxide particles in a gel forming base, dropping the suspension into an aqueous solution to form a gel bead matrix, heating the bead to remove the binder, and carburizing, nitriding or phosphiding the bead to form a transition metal carbide, nitride, or phosphide catalyst bead. The method can be tuned for control of porosity, mechanical strength, and dopant content of the beads. The produced catalyst beads are catalytically active, mechanically robust, and suitable for packed-bed reactor applications. The produced catalyst beads are suitable for biomass conversion, petrochemistry, petroleum refining, electrocatalysis, and other applications.

Abstract: Formulations useful for preparing hydrous aluminum oxide gels contain a metal salt including aluminum, an organic base, and a complexing agent. Methods for preparing gels containing hydrous aluminum oxide include heating a formulation to a temperature sufficient to induce gel formation, where the formulation contains a metal salt including aluminum, an organic base, and a complexing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composites comprising inorganic micro pigments and/or fillers in the form of surface-phosphated microparticles, whose surface is at least partially coated with finely divided with alkaline earth carbonate nanoparticles by means of binders based on copolymers comprising as the monomers one or more dicarboxylic acids and one or more monomers from the group of diamines, triamines, dialkanolamines or trialkanolamines and epichlorohydrin, a method for producing such composites, aqueous slurries thereof and the use thereof in papermaking or in the field of production of paints and plastics as well as the use of the binders for the coating of microparticles with nano alkaline earth carbonate.

Abstract: A hydrophobic precipitated silica having a BET of less than 110 m2/g, a CTAB of less than 150 m2/g, a BET/CTAB ratio of less than 3, a carbon content of greater than 3.1%, a pH of 9.7 to 10.5, a DBP of less than 230 g/(100 g), and a methanol wettability of more than 50%. The hydrophobic precipitated silica is used in compositions including defoamers, silicone rubber and HTV crosslinkable silicone rubber compositions. The hydrophobic precipitated silica is also useful as a flow assistant and carrier or anti-blocking agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels capable of absorbing aqueous fluids, which hydrogels are produced by polymerization of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids or their derivatives. The hydrogels are characterized in that before, during or after the polymerization reaction and before drying a silicic acid alkali salt of the general formula (I) M2O×nSiO2 is added to the polymerization reaction mixture. In said formula M is an alkali metal and n is a number between 0.5 and 4. The hydrogel obtained in this way is then dried at an elevated temperature. The invention also relates to a method for producing said hydrogels and to their use for absorbing aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A new class of compounds, namely diamino alcohols, is described, along with a process for their production and their use as rheology modifiers in high solids mineral slurries, such as, kaolin clay slurries.

Abstract: A composite material that includes a dopant comprised of pre-formed, three dimensional assemblies of skeletal structures that are comprised of solgel derived nanoparticles. The composite material includes a chemically bonded, in situ formed, polymer coating that at least partially coats mesoporous surfaces of the nanoparticles to provide enhancement of random dispersion of the dopant and to minimize or avoid agglomeration. Further, the polymer may be functionalized or the mesoporous surfaces of the nanoparticles may be treated to enable stronger chemical bonding between the dopant and the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composites, comprising inorganic and/or organic pigments and/or fillers in the form of microparticles, the surface of which is coated at least partially with finely divided nano-calcium carbonate with the help of binders based on copolymers comprising as monomers one or more dicarboxylic acids and one or more monomers from the group of diamines, triamines, dialkanolamines or trialkanolamines, a method for producing such composites, aqueous slurries thereof and their use in papermaking or in the field of paint and plastic production and the use of the inventive binders for coating the microparticles with nano-calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A TiO2—SiO2 aerogel and TiO2—SiO2 aerogel monolith with a regular and predeterminable shape and an ordered mesoporosity and a method of making the aerogel and aerogel monolith, using surfactants in preparing the SiO2 sol before mixing with TiO2 sol. The aerogel obtained by this method has a specific surface area greater than 400 m2/g and a pore volume larger than 0.5 cc/g.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to solid composites including colloidal nanocrystals within a sol-gel host or matrix and to processes of forming such solid composites.

Abstract: An antipenetrating agent is to be added to a solvent ink for preventing penetration of the solvent ink into a medium to be printed. The antipenetrating agent includes inorganic fine particles and a resin soluble in an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for producing a functional colloid during which particles are reactively fragmented in a mechanical manner in a dispersant in the presence of a modifying agent so that the modifying agent is chemically bound, at least in part, to the fragmented colloid particles.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nanoclay-filled thermoplastic vulcanizate, the method comprising introducing an olefinic thermoplastic vulcanizate, a functionalized thermoplastic resin, and a surface-modified nanoclay, where the blending takes place at a temperature above the melt temperature of the thermoplastic vulcanizate but below the temperature at which the surface-modified nanoclay degrades.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of making porous structures or materials, including the colloidal processing (e.g. slip casting, pressure casting, tape casting or electrophoretic deposition) of solid particle emulsions to form a green body that can be directly sintered without a de-binding step.

Abstract: A conformable, spreadable, electrically nonconductive, thermally conductive, thermally stable and phase separation resistant paste substantially consisting of fumed oxide dispersed in a non-aqueous paste-forming vehicle is disclosed. The fumed oxide is preferably silane-treated. This invention also discloses a thermal contact enhancing interface material comprising the paste, which, upon compression between two solid surfaces, forms a material that enhances the thermal contact between the surfaces. In addition, a method of providing a thermal contact between two solid surfaces is disclosed. This method comprises disposing between and in contact with the surfaces a material comprising the paste and applying a pressure to cause the paste to conform to the topography of said surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to silica aerogels and to a method for their preparation from rice husk. Rice husk is very rich in silica, and its ash can contain up to 92-97% of amorphous silica. The rice husk ash is prepared by burning the rice husk on a heating plate with excess air until the white ash is obtained. Silica from rice ash husk is in a very active form and has been found to be a very potential starting material for silica aerogels.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic/inorganic hybrid material and the method for manufacturing the same. A variety of functional monomers are co-polymerized to form a copolymer. The copolymer is subjected to sol-gel reactions with metal alkoxide oligomers to form an organic/inorganic hybrid material. The hybrid material has a high refractive index, a low moisture absorption, a high light transmission ratio, and a high glass transition point, such that the material can be applied in high light extraction efficient LED sealing materials, thin and light myopia/hypropia lens, portable projector lens, high brightness LCD prism films, solar cell refractive photoelectric conversion mirrors, and camera phone/digital camera lens.

Abstract: A carbon-based foam composite including a carbon-based foam and a solid state hydrogen storage material, methods for making the carbon-based foam composite, and methods for using the carbon-based foam composite. Representative carbon-based foams include cryogels, aerogels, and xerogels. Representative solid state hydrogen storage materials include metal hydrides and chemical hydrides.

Abstract: A method to prepare multi-phobic effects nanosized-structure film and its application are described, which features nanosized silica, titanium oxide and zinc oxide compounded materials of previous size 3-100 nm are in-situ combined with substrate through fluorocarbon surfactants and perfluoro alkyl filming substance under specific conditions to form a nanosized-structure film. The reaction between fluorocarbon surfactants and hydroxyl groups on surfaces of nanosized particles renders the modified nanosized particle and nanosized film having extremely high chemical stability, resistance, and the capacity to repel and disperse water, oil, bacteria, organic dust, gas, electricity, magnetism and light (i.e., multi-phobic effects). This technology may be widely used in surface modification of fabric, chemical fiber, cotton, wool, glass product, brick-stone concrete and wood wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a solid composite having colloidal nanocrystals dispersed within a sol-gel matrix, the process including admixing colloidal nanocrystals with an amphiphilic polymer including hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of —COOH, —OH, —SO3H, —NH2, and —PO3H2 within a solvent to form an alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complex, admixing the alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complex and a sol-gel precursor material, and, forming the solid composite from the admixture. The present invention is also directed to the resultant solid composites and to the alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complexes.

Abstract: Ultraporous sol gel monoliths and methods for preparing the same are provided, having superior flow characteristics for chromatography and analytical chemistry applications. The methods for forming an ultra porous sol-gel monolith include (a) forming a solution comprising a porogen, a matrix dissolving catalyst and a sol gel precursor; (b) allowing the solution to form a gel; and (c) drying the gel at an elevated temperature. The ultraporous sol gel monoliths are characterized by a porosity of up to about 97%, a BET surface area of at least about 50 m2/g and substantially no micropores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composites, comprising inorganic and/or organic pigments and/or fillers in the form of microparticles, the surface of which is coated at least partially with finely divided nano-calcium carbonate with the help of binders based on copolymers comprising as monomers one or more dicarboxylic acids and one or more monomers from the group of diamines, triamines, dialkanolamines or trialkanolamines, a method for producing such composites, aqueous slurries thereof and their use in papermaking or in the field of paint and plastic production and the use of the inventive binders for coating the microparticles with nano-calcium carbonate.

Abstract: It is to provide fine particles of copper, nickel or palladium hydride having an average particle diameter of at most 50 nm, which are hardly oxidized in the atmosphere and are excellent in storage stability and are thereby very suitable for formation of metallic materials, and their production process. Further, it is to provide a dispersion containing fine particles of copper, nickel or palladium hydride, which is excellent in storage stability, and a metallic material obtained by applying the dispersion, followed by baking. The fine particles of copper, nickel or palladium hydride and the dispersion thereof, to be obtained by the present invention, are applicable to various applications, and they can be used for e.g. formation and repair of printed wiring, etc. employing a dispersion, interlayer wiring in semiconductor packages, and joining of printed wiring boards and electronic components.

Abstract: A sol solution containing poly(titanic acid) and a planar heterocyclic ligand is provided. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are formed by aging the sol solution at a temperature below about 140° C. The particles have multi-coordinated Ti-complexes comprising the heterocyclic ligand and can be substantially in the anatase phase. The heterocyclic ligands can be triazole, tetrazole, or thiadiazole. The sol solution may be prepared by aging a precursor solution. The precursor solution may contain the heterocyclic ligands and a precursor for poly(titanic acid). The precursor may be titanium alkoxide or titanium chloride. The sol solution may also contain at least one of an organic acid, a base, and a surfactant. The aged sol solution may form a colloidal dispersion of the TiO2 particles. A photo-catalytic and transparent film may be formed from the TiO2 particles by depositing a layer of the colloidal dispersion on a support.

Abstract: A color filter composition comprises a mixture of a binder and a monomer in a predetermined ratio, a pigment, and a solvent. The predetermined ratio is a ratio of the binder to the monomer and ranges from about 50:50 to about 60:40. The color filter composition further comprises a solid powder having a weight percent in the color filter composition ranging from about 12% to about 18%, wherein the solid powder includes the pigment. The pigment has a weight percent in the solid powder ranging from about 28% to about 38%.

Abstract: A method of preparing an organic-inorganic hybrid material is described. A M(OR)x and an organically modified Si-alkoxide having a predetermined functional group are dissolved in a first solvent and a second solvent to form a first solution and a second solution, respectively. The first solution and the second solution are then mixed and heated. As a result, the M(OR)x reacts with the organically modified Si-alkoxide to form a functionalized organic-inorganic hybrid material. Furthermore, the solid content of the functionalized organic-inorganic hybrid material is increased by transferring the same into another solvent. Therefore, a thick hybrid film is fabricated by means of the transferred functionalized organic-inorganic hybrid material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for dewatering a mineral slurry concentrate and increasing the production of the resulting filter cake consisting essentially of mixing an aqueous mineral slurry concentrate with an effective amount of a nonionic surfactant and an effective amount of a cationic polymer to form a nonionic surfactant and cationic polymer treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate, and subjecting the treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate to a liquid water removal process for dewatering the treated aqueous mineral slurry and for increasing the production of a resulting filter cake of the dewatered mineral slurry. An improved mineral slurry concentrate composition and an improved mineral concentrate filter cake is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, organically modified aerogels, uses thereof, and a process for producing them in which a) a hydrogel is introduced as an initial charge, b) the hydrogel obtained in step a) is subjected to surface modification, and c) the surface-modified gel obtained in step b) is dried. The present invention additionally relates to novel, organically modified wet gels, to a process for producing them, and to their use.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel material is described. A M(OR)x and an organically modified Si-alkoxide having a predetermined functional group are dissolved in a first solvent and a second solvent to form a first solution and a second solution, respectively. The first solution and the second solution are then mixed and heated. As a result, the M(OR)x reacts with the organically modified Si-alkoxide to form a functionalized sol-gel material. Furthermore, the solid content of the functionalized sol-gel material is increased by transferring the same into another solvent. Therefore, a thick sol-gel film is fabricated by means of the transferred functionalized sol-gel material.

Abstract: A method of producing substantially spherical lyogels in water insoluble silylating agents is provided. The present invention refers to a method of producing substantially spherical lyogels in which a) a lyosol is provided, b) the lyosol obtained in step a) is transferred to at least one silylating agent in which the lyosol is insoluble, and c) the spherical lyosol formed in step b) is gelatinised in at least one silylating agent in which the lyosol is likewise insoluble, to produce the lyogel.

Abstract: Methods of making hydrophobic, pyrogenically produced silica having a tamped density, of 55 to 200 g/l. Said silica is produced by hydrophobizing pyrogenically produced silica by reaction with a halogen free silane and then compacting it with means consisting of a roller compactor or a belt filter press. The silica may be used for the production of dispersions.

Abstract: New aerogels are disclosed which comprise silica and at least one organic polymer having polar functional groups. Also disclosed are methods for making such aerogels and for making them as substantially transparent objects. In addition, gas detectors, liquid and gas absorbing objects, and optical devices made using these aerogels are disclosed. The present invention concerns optical elements which are substantially transparent and exhibit low refractive indices. The invention further relates to detectors of reactive and absorbate gases based on the physical changes exhibited by the aerogels upon reacting with or absorbing such gases. The present invention further concerns printable objects comprising these aerogels, specifically when the print media are imaged by the absorption of liquid and the spatial localization of pigments or dyes. The invention further concerns reactive gas absorbers comprising these aerogels and the catalytic function the aerogels serve to catalyze subsequent chemical reaction.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a dispersion of fine particles characterized in that the micelles are ones which have been formed in a aqueous medium with an amphiphilic block copolymer represented by the general formula PB and in which the shell of each micelle has been cross-linked with hydrophilic groups of the hydrophilic side chains wherein the particles formed are metallic particles having a reducing characteristic of metal ions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to solid composites including colloidal nanocrystals within a sol-gel host or matrix and to processes of forming such solid composites. The present invention is further directed to alcohol soluble colloidal nanocrystals useful in formation of sol-gel based solid composites.

Abstract: An aerogel material with surfaces containing fluorine atoms which exhibits exceptional hydrophobicity, or the ability to repel liquid water. Hydrophobic aerogels are efficient absorbers of solvents from water. Solvents miscible with water are separated from it because the solvents are more volatile than water and they enter the porous aerogel as a vapor across the liquid water/solid interface. Solvents that are immisicble with water are separated from it by selectively wetting the aerogel. The hydrophobic property is achieved by formulating the aerogel using fluorine containing molecules either directly by addition in the sol-gel process, or by treating a standard dried aerogel using the vapor of fluorine containing molecules.

Abstract: New aerogels are disclosed which comprise silica, at least one organic polymer having polar functional groups, and at least one metal ion. Also disclosed are methods for making such aerogels. The present invention further concerns printable objects comprising these aerogels, specifically when the print media are imaged by the absorption of liquid and the spatial localization of pigments or dyes.

Abstract: Aerogels having a monolayer coating are described. The aerogel and a monolayer forming precursor are provided in a supercritical fluid, whereupon the aerogel and the monolayer forming precursor are reacted in said supercritical fluid to form a covalent bond between the aerogel and the monolayer forming precursor. Suitable aerogels are ceramic oxides such as silica, alumina, aluminosilicate, and combinations thereof. Suitable monolayer forming precursors include alkyl silanes, chlorosilanes, boranes, chloroboranes, germanes, and combinations thereof. The method may also include providing a surface preparation agent such as water, or hydroetching an aerogel to enhance the coating of the monolayer.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for generating an inorganic polymer electret in a colloidal state, the inorganic electret in a colloidal state itself, and applications for the inorganic electret in a colloidal state. The invention includes a method for generation of a colloidal silica particle which is dipolar in that it is positively charged in the nucleus and negatively charged on the outer surface leaving a net negative charge to the particle. The apparatus includes the ability to control particle size, uniformity, consistency, hydration, and three dimensional structure which is desirable for various applications.

Abstract: Ordered, monodisperse macroporous polymers, their corresponding ordered, monodisperse colloids, and methods of preparing them are disclosed. The methods use an ordered, monodisperse colloidal template to define the polymer pore morphology, which in turn acts as a mold for the growth of a new ordered, monodisperse colloid. The macroporous polymer may be prepared with either spherical or ellipsoidal pores from a wide variety of polymeric systems. The new ordered, monodisperse colloid may be grown from a wide variety of materials including ceramics, semiconductors, metals and polymers. These materials are potentially useful in optical, micro-filtering and drug delivery applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clay-containing mixture or blend capable of forming a moisture resistant gel, which comprises a powdered or ground smectite and/or a smectite-containing natural rock and at least 0.8-10% by weight, calculated for the smectite content, of an at least partially water-soluble and/or water swellable polymer and optionally at least 0.5% by weight of a solid activating agent. Such a mixture may also additionally comprise as a diluting agent more than 0.5% by weight of one or more solid inert filler(s); this diluted version is termed in the specification as a blend.

Abstract: A storage-stable aerated gel composition comprising 30 to 97% by weight of water, 0.2 to 5% by weight of a gelling agent selected from xanthan gum, sodium alginate and neutralized carboxyvinyl polymer and 2 to 5% by weight of a fine particulate hydrophobic silicone-treated silica having a surface area of from 80 to 300 m2/g. The composition is in the form of fine particles of an aqueous gel containing the water and the gelling agent, the surface of which particles are coated with a coating of the finely divided particulate hydrophobic silica. The gel composition is prepared by mixing, under high shear conditions, the water and the fine particulate silica, and then adding to the resulting mixture, the gelling agent and mixing under high shear conditions.

Abstract: An oiliness agent comprising a carboxylate of a composite metal hydroxide having a chemical composition represented by the following general formula (1), M2aM3x(OH)y(A)z.nH2O  (1) wherein, M2 indicates a divalent metal, M3 indicates a trivalent metal, A indicates an anion of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, a, x, y, and z are numbers satisfying the following formulas: a>0, 3x+2a−y−mz=0 (wherein m is a valency of anion A), 0.3≦a/x≦2.5 1.5≦y/(a+x)≦3.0 1.0≦(a+x)/z≦20.0, and n is a number not larger than 7. The oiliness agent exhibits excellent emulsifying properties such as dispersion stability and moisture retaining property without emitting odor and without a tendency of being colored, and is very useful for forming a water-in-oil emulsion which can be effectively used as a base material for cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material with an improved structure in which is dispersed an active organic compound, and a method for treating effluents, in particular a method for treating photographic effluents. The composite material takes the form of a structured gel comprising an aluminosilicate polymer matrix in the form of fibers in which at least two distinct fibers are interconnected by at least two covalent bonds to form an irreversible chemical gel and, dispersed in the matrix, an active organic compound. The choice of the degree of cross-linking of the matrix makes it possible to control the diffusion of a hydrophilic active organic compound. The invention further concerns a method for preparing such a composite material.

Abstract: A storage stable composition comprising a carrier usable for the immobilization of compounds containing an amine group, for instance biomolecules and/or affinity ligands. The carrier has been activated to exhibit a squaric acid derivative linked to the carrier and is placed in contact with an aqueous medium. A kit comprising the storage stable composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing substantially spherical lyogels in water insoluble silylating agents. The present invention refers to a method of producing substantially spherical lyogels in which a) a lyogel is provided, b) the lyosol obtained in step a) is transferred to at least one silylating agent in which the lyosol is insoluble, and c) the spherical lyosol formed in step b) is gelatinised in at least one silylating agent in which the lyosol is likewise insoluble, to produce the lyogel.

Abstract: Mesoscopically ordered, hydrothermally stable metal oxide-block copolymer composite or mesoporous materials are described herein that are formed by using amphiphilic block copolymers which act as structure directing agents for the metal oxide in a self-assembling system.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing structured organic-inorganic hybrid materials, using an amphiphilic block copolymer as template.