Abstract: An electrically conductive hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel is disclosed that is a crosslinked porous scaffold having a graphene-based material encapsulated or in contact within the porous scaffold. The graphene-based material includes one or more of graphene oxide foam, reduced graphene oxide foam, nanoplatelets, nanoparticles, or fibers. The porous scaffold may be formed over an implanted bioelectronic device such as a microelectrode array having a plurality of electrodes. The porous scaffold may also be used to control the differentiation of cells including Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells (NS/PCs).

Abstract: A microreactor system includes: a microreactor that has two inflow ports into which fluids are introduced and a flow path configured to merge the fluids, and that is configured to mix a first fluid introduced from one of the inflow ports and a second fluid introduced from the other of the inflow ports in the flow path; a first container in which the first fluid is prepared; a second container in which the second fluid is prepared; a first pump configured to feed the first fluid toward the inflow port; a second pump configured to feed the second fluid toward the inflow port; first and second measurement units configured to measure amounts of the first fluid and the second fluid, respectively; and switching units configured to switch at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid to be fed to the microreactor.

Abstract: A silica aerogel having a mean pore size less than 5 nm with a standard deviation of 3 nm. The silica aerogel may have greater than 95% solar-weighted transmittance at a thickness of 8 mm for wavelengths in the range of 250 nm to 2500 nm, and a 400° C. black-body weighted specific extinction coefficient of greater than 8 m2/kg for wavelengths of 1.5 ?m to 15 ?m. Silica aerogel synthesis methods are described. A solar thermal aerogel receiver (STAR) may include an opaque frame defining an opening, an aerogel layer disposed in the opaque frame, with at least a portion of the aerogel layer being proximate the opening, and a heat transfer fluid pipe in thermal contact with and proximate the aerogel layer. A concentrating solar energy system may include a STAR and at least one reflector to direct sunlight to an opening in the STAR.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the stabilization of a polysaccharide (hyaluronic acid) with a biomolecule—amino acid—through crosslinking, to generate a bionic hydrogel based on physiological building blocks for applications in regenerative medicine. The designed biosimilar hydrogel is intended to be used in regenerative medicine for the purpose of regenerate, rejuvenate and/or restore the structure or function of impaired or damaged tissues, and to promote healing. The manufacture method is composed of a single step that includes mixing L-lysine and hyaluronic acid sodium salt in an aqueous saline solution with either EDC/NHS as coupling agent.

Abstract: A composition intended for the remodelling treatment of a scar, by means of topical application, in particular, as a massage adjuvant. The composition takes the form of a microemulsion, preferably with a gel texture, containing a lipophilic compound, a wound healing agent, a humectant and an emulsifying agent, as well as a small amount of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a spheroid using a composition for a liquid bath for dipping a hydrogel droplet and to a spheroid manufactured thereby. The method of manufacturing the spheroid according to the present invention is capable of successfully forming a spheroid having a 3D spherical shape that is difficult to implement on a planar substrate and also of realizing a spheroid having a uniform size, and thus can be effectively used as a technique for obtaining a spheroid having a 3D spherical shape and a uniform size in the field of cell culture.

Abstract: A self-tanning composition for application to wetted skin after showering, and the like, which provides moisturizing and skin coloration, all over body spreadability, and easy application. The self-tanning composition comprises: a quaternary ammonium salt; a reducing sugar; and at least one silicone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a hydrophobic metal oxide-silica composite aerogel, in which a degree of hydrophobicity may be controlled while having a high specific surface area and a low tap density, and a hydrophobic metal oxide-silica composite aerogel prepared thereby. The preparation method according to the present invention may not only have excellent productivity and economic efficiency due to a relatively simpler preparation process and shorter preparation time than the related art, but may also perform an effective surface modification reaction by using a small amount of a surface modifier. Thus, since the surface modification reaction may be easily performed by using only a very small amount of the surface modifier, a hydrophobic metal oxide-silica composite aerogel containing about 1 wt % to 2 wt % of carbon may be prepared.

Abstract: A method of label-free cell or particle sorting in a microfluidic device includes providing a stream of aqueous droplets in oil in a channel of the microfluidic device, wherein at least some of the droplets include cells or particles and illuminating the stream from a first direction. Then, one detects scattered light from cells or particles within said aqueous droplets in a second direction. Next, one determines a number of the cells or particles in each droplet from the scattered light and sorts the aqueous droplets into differentiated streams. Notably, the refractive index of said oil is modified to closely match a refractive index of the aqueous droplets to reduce light scattered from boundaries of the droplets. A volume of the droplets can also controlled.

Abstract: Methods of forming a hierarchical porous monolith are provided. The methods include mixing a monomer, a silica precursor and a catalyst in a solvent to form a mixture. The methods also include adding a gelling agent to the mixture to form a polymer-silica composite gel. The polymer-silica composite gel undergoes a phase separation to separate from the solvent and the unreacted silica precursor. The method further includes drying the polymer-silica composite gel to evaporate the solvent to form a polymer-silica monolith and processing the polymer-silica monolith to form at least one of a polymer monolith, a carbon monolith, a silica monolith and a carbon-silica monolith.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprising a (meth)acrylate copolymer having pendent photoinitiator groups and a high Tg monomer or macromer is described. The resulting copolymer is physically crosslinking and is of the formula I: (I).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a concentrated aqueous nano titania sol in the mild pH range (4.0 to 10.0) comprising contacting an acidic nano titania sol with a dispersant and with an alkalizing agent, and subjecting the nano titania sol to membrane filtration until the nano titania sol contains more than 300 g TiO2 nanoparticles/dm3. The nano titania sol may further be subjected to a coating treatment within any of the steps of the above described process. The concentrated aqueous nano titania sol of this disclosure is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including providing UV protection and photochemically degrading or inactivating contaminants.

Abstract: The carbon nanofiber has a content of oxygen controlled in a range of 8% by mass to 20% by mass and excellent dispersibility in polar solvents by means of an oxidization treatment carried out on a raw material of the carbon nanofiber. The above-described oxidization treatment is preferably carried out at 100° C. or higher using an mixed acid of nitric acid and sulfuric acid in which the nitric acid concentration is in a range of 10% by mass to 30% by mass. A carbon nanofiber dispersion liquid is obtained by dispersing the above-described carbon nanofiber in a polar solvent, and a carbon nanofiber composition contains the above-described dispersion liquid and a binder component.

Abstract: A cartilaginous tissue repair device with a biocompatible, bioresorbable three-dimensional silk or other fiber lay and a biocompatible, bioresorbable substantially porous silk-based or other hydrogel partially or substantially filling the interstices of the fiber lay; with or without an integral means of firmly anchoring the device to a patient's bone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor control apparatus for controlling a synchronous motor, which includes a receiver section for receiving the value detected by a temperature sensor installed inside the synchronous motor. The synchronous motor is started up with the current fed into it, whose magnitude is changed in accordance with the temperature received by the receiver section at the time of starting up the synchronous motor. In this way, the stable startup of the synchronous motor can be guaranteed and the useful life of the semiconductor elements can also be prolonged.

Abstract: Provided are a solvent-substitution solvent for producing a hydrophobized aerogel and a method for producing a hydrophobized aerogel. The solvent-substitution solvent includes pentanol in an amount of 41 wt % to 100 wt % and n-butanol in an amount of 0 wt % to 59 wt %. The method includes performing a solvent substitution process using the solvent-substitution solvent. If the solvent-substitution solvent is used for solvent substitution and/or hydrophobization in an aerogel production process, water (moisture) contained in a wet gel may be effectively substituted with the solvent-substitution solvent, and the solvent-substitution solvent may easily be collected at a high degree of purity and may be reused if necessary. Therefore, the rate of solvent loss may be minimized.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of making an aerogel, comprising: (A) subjecting a suspension or a solution comprising a concentration of at least one chemical reactant to at least one of a hydrothermal and a solvothermal process for at least a reaction time to form an in-situ hydrogel, wherein the hydrogel comprises particulates having an asymmetric geometry, and (B) removing a liquid from the hydrogel to form an aerogel.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a glass substrate for a magnetic disk is provided whereby nano pits and/or nano scratches cannot be easily produced in polishing a principal face of a glass substrate using a slurry containing zirconium oxide as an abrasive. The manufacturing method of a glass substrate for a magnetic disk includes, for instance, a polishing step of polishing a principal face of a glass substrate using a slurry containing, as an abrasive, zirconium oxide abrasive grains having monoclinic crystalline structures (M) and tetragonal crystalline structures (T).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a conductive material that allows a low electric resistance to be generated, and that is obtained by using an inexpensive and stable conductive material composition containing no adhesive. The conductive material can be provided by a producing method that includes the step of sintering a first conductive material composition that contains silver particles having an average particle diameter (median diameter) of 0.1 ?m to 15 ?m, and a metal oxide, so as to obtain a conductive material. The conductive material can be provided also by a method that includes the step of sintering a second conductive material composition that contains silver particles having an average particle diameter (median diameter) of 0.1 ?m to 15 ?m in an atmosphere of oxygen or ozone, or ambient atmosphere, at a temperature in a range of 150° C. to 320° C., so as to obtain a conductive material.

Abstract: A method of preparing a three-dimensional graphene structure, and a graphene structure prepared by the method are provided. The method includes preparing a dispersion in which a graphite oxide is dispersed, and preparing a gel by controlling a degree of reduction of the dispersion. The method can be useful in providing a three-dimensional graphene structure having a specific surface area, a pore size or a volume per unit mass, which is suitable for the field of applications thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for disinfection and/or conservation and/or reduction and/or control of microbial contamination of aqueous dispersions and/or aqueous suspensions of mineral matter, providing satisfactory stability in terms of Brookfield™ viscosity for the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions of mineral matter. It also concerns the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions thus obtained, together with their uses in the mineral, paper and paint industries. Finally it concerns the end products obtained.

Abstract: A carbon-based aerogel is disclosed in which the carbon atoms are arranged in a sheet-like nanostructure. The aerogel may be either a graphene oxide aerogel or a graphene aerogel and may further be reinforced with a polymer. A method for making the aerogel is also disclosed and includes providing graphite oxide, creating a dispersion of the graphite oxide in a liquid, and drying the dispersion to form a graphene oxide aerogel. In one embodiment, the graphene oxide aerogel is thermally treated to convert the graphene oxide to graphene.

Abstract: There is provided a catalyst comprising metal nanoparticles supported on nanocrystalline cellulose and a homogeneous catalyst system comprising this catalyst colloidally suspended in a fluid. There is also provided a method of producing this catalyst and various uses thereof.

Abstract: A strain-hardened interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel is provided. The interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel is based on two different networks. The first network is a non-silicone network of preformed hydrophilic non-ionic telechelic macromonomers chemically cross-linked by polymerization of its end-groups. The second network is a non-silicone network of ionizable monomers. The second network has been polymerized and chemically cross-linked in the presence of the first network and has formed physical cross-links with the first network. An aqueous salt solution having a neutral pH is used to ionize and swell the second network in the interpenetrating polymer network. The swelling of the second network is constrained by the first network, and this constraining effect results in an increase in effective physical cross-links within the interpenetrating polymer network, and, in turn, an increase its elastic modulus.

Abstract: An aerogel fabricated by forming an aqueous suspension including carbon nanotubes and a surfactant, agitating the aqueous suspension, and centrifuging the agitated suspension to form a supernatant including the carbon nanotubes. The supernatant is concentrated to form a concentrated suspension including the carbon nanotubes, and a hydrogel is formed from the concentrated suspension. The hydrogen is contacted with a strong acid to form an acidic hydrogel and to remove surfactant from the hydrogel, and then neutralized. An aerogel is formed from the hydrogel. The aerogel may consist essentially of carbon nanotubes. A composite may be formed from the hydrogel or the aerogel by infiltrating the hydrogel or the aerogel with a polymeric material and curing or pyrolyzing the polymeric material. The composite may be electrically conductive, transparent, flexible, superelastic, or any combination thereof. A device, such as a flexible conductor, sensor, or electrode may include the aerogel or the composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a foam material, comprising the steps: a) providing a powder material, comprising at least one metal powder and optionally at least one ceramic powder; b) providing a perform comprising a particulate material; c) mixing the powder material in the preform; and d) removing the particulate material by exposing the mixture obtained in step c) to the solvent, wherein the particulate material is soluble in the solvent and to a foam material obtainable by said method.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide cellulose fine particles having a small particle diameter and a high average polymerization degree, and a liquid dispersion or a solid dispersion thereof. The inventive cellulose fine particles have an average particle diameter of 9 to 400 nm and an average polymerization degree (DP) of cellulose of 150 to 3,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to gels that flow through an orifice. Specifically the invention relates to gels that are dispensed through a trigger spray nozzle or aerosol spray valve. Still more specifically, the invention relates to nonaquious gels containing polymers whose instantaneous viscosity reversibly decreases when the gel experiences shear loads. The invention includes spray gel compositions, methods of making spray gels and methods of dispensing gels whose viscosity exhibits an instantaneous temporary decrease in viscosity when the gel is subjected to shear force as happens when it flows through an orifice, such as a spray nozzle or aerosol valve.

Abstract: A process for recovering waste latex material from a manufacturing plant, treating the recovered waste latex material, and subsequently utilizing the recovered and treated waste latex material in a manufacturing plant. Waste latex material is recovered and treated to provide a fine, sand-like material that is suitable for reintroduction into a latex adhesive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a method are disclosed including mixing pieces of solid beeswax and liquid jojoba wax at a predetermined temperature within a predetermined range of temperatures, filtering the mixture, and cooling the mixture to form a colloidal gel.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for crosslinking a colloid, including: (a) providing a colloid solution; (b) adding a crosslinking agent and solid particles to the colloid solution, wherein the amount of solid particles added is enough to convert the colloid solution into a solid mixture, and wherein a crosslinking reaction proceeds in the solid mixture; and (c) removing the solid particles from the solid mixture.

Abstract: Nanoporous sol-gel derived monoliths and methods for making nanoporous sol-gel derived monoliths are provided. The methods enable fine control over pore size and pore size distribution, e.g., so that pore sizes can be predetermined and precisely tuned over a range from 0.3 nm to about 30 nm, or over a range from about 0.3 nm to about 10 nm. The monoliths may be derived from any suitable sol-gel, but in some instances they are derived from silica sol-gels. The sol-gel derived monoliths with finely tunable pore sizes and narrow pore size distributions may be used for a variety of applications, e.g., as substrates or templates for high surface area electrodes, as substrates for high surface area sensor, or as a component in a filtration apparatus.

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

Abstract: A process for the salt-free coagulation of polymer dispersions in a rotor/stator assembly is disclosed. The rotor/stator assembly includes a casing, a rotor shaft rotatably mounted within the casing, a rotor having a conical surface affixed to the rotor shaft, and a stator affixed to the casing and concentrically associated with the rotor. The conical surface faces a surface of the stator to form an adjustable shear gap, which is surrounded by an annular space. A polymer dispersion is fed into the assembly and conveyed through the shear gap. During this conveyance, the polymer dispersion is precipitated at a predetermined shear rate and a predetermined shear deformation. The polymer dispersion is discharged from the assembly through an outlet neck, and the assembly is flushed with water using one or more ports formed in at least one of a pipeline coupled to the axial feed neck, the stator, and the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels containing water and polyethylene glycol-dimethacrylates in a polymerized form. The polymethacrylate blocks are so short that they form no proper phase. The invention further relates to methods for producing said hydrogels. The inventive hydrogels are provided with reduced haze and are used as materials for contact lenses, electrophoresis gels, membrane materials, and sound-absorbing materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with coagulated aqueous polymer dispersions to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: A process for recovering waste latex material from a manufacturing plant, treating the recovered waste latex material, and subsequently utilizing the recovered and treated waste latex material in a manufacturing plant. Waste latex material is recovered and treated to provide a fine, sand-like material that is suitable for reintroduction into a latex adhesive manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with one or more aqueous polymer dispersion of a suspension polymer to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and, optionally, subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading and/or compression molding the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making shapeable composites in the form of finely divided materials or articles and the materials and articles produced by the methods, the methods comprising forming mixtures by (i) treating an aqueous thermoplastic acrylic or vinyl polymer to increase the particle size thereof to a weight average particle size of 1 ?m or more, and, optionally, dewatering to form a crumb mixture; and (ii) combining a thermoplastic acrylic or vinyl polymer with one or more waste rubber vulcanizate having a sieve particle size ranging from 10 to 600 ?m in the amount of from 15 to 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of polymer and rubber to form a crumb slurry, such that (ii) can take place before, during, after (i) but before any dewatering, or after any dewatering; and (iii) thermoplastic processing the mixture. Thermoplastic processing can directly form articles, like sheets or films. The shapeable composites have excellent adhesion to other materials.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a method are disclosed including mixing pieces of solid beeswax and liquid jojoba wax at a predetermined temperature within a predetermined range of temperatures, filtering the mixture, and cooling the mixture to form a colloidal gel.

Abstract: A method of preparing a porous polymer structure comprising the steps of: forming a liquid composition comprising at least one polymer dissolved in at least one solvent; subjecting the liquid composition to stress, and if necessary also to a reduction in temperature, to cause the liquid composition to form a bi-continuous phase separated composition, the bi-continuous phase separated composition comprising a polymer rich phase and a polymer poor phase; solidifying the at least one polymer in the polymer rich phase; and removing the polymer poor phase from the polymer rich phase to provide the porous polymer structure having a bi-continuous morphology from the polymer rich phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyolefin resin foam which includes a polyolefin resin composition includes: (A) a rubber and/or a thermoplastic elastomer; (B) a polyolefin resin; and (C) at least one aliphatic compound selected from an aliphatic acid, an aliphatic acid amide and an aliphatic acid metallic soap, the compound having a polar functional group and having a melting point of 50 to 150° C., in which a content of the aliphatic compound is 1 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the rubber and/or thermoplastic elastomer and the polyolefin resin. The polyolefin resin foam of the invention is excellent in flexibility and cushioning properties, and has good processability, especially excellent cutting processability.

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: Methods for preparing high quality and high yields of nanocrystals, i.e., metal-oxide-based nanocrystals, using a novel solvent-free method. The nanocrystals advantageously comprise organic alkyl chain capping groups and are stable in air and in nonpolar solvents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the dispersion of synthetic or natural nanoparticles and nanocomposite materials and to the use thereof in different sectors including those of ceramics, coatings, polymers, construction, paints, catalysis, pharmaceuticals and powdered materials in general.

Abstract: Provision of a dispersion liquid of metal oxide fine particles, containing: metal oxide fine particles, and a halogen element, in which an amount of the halogen element is 10 ppm to 900 ppm, and pH of the dispersion liquid is 0 to 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of microgels for modifying the temperature behavior of non-crosslinkable organic media, in particular in high temperature applications at least about 100° C., for example in engine oils, gear oils, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a stable sol-gel solution. The solution may be used to form coating materials for metallic substrates, such as silver-based substrates for use in mirrors. The process includes the steps of preparing a sol-gel solution by bringing one or more molecular metal and/or metalloid precursors into contact with a medium comprising an organic solvent, adding at least one mercaptoorganosilane compound to the solution, hydrolyzing the solution obtained, and then adding one or more complexing agents to the solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating calcium carbonate nanoparticles dispersed in water from ground calcium carbonate of micrometer (?m) order using beads milling. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for fabricating calcium carbonate nanoparticles dispersed in water by which a complex aqueous slurry comprising coarse ground calcium carbonate having an average particle size of several micrometers (?m) and a surfactant is subjected to beads milling, such that grinding and dispersion in water of the ground calcium carbonate occur simultaneously, and the resultant calcium carbonate nanoparticles have an average particle size of 10-100 nm and a unimodal clustering distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants.