Abstract: The present invention provides a metal foam production method that enables a foaming process to be performed at low cost and enables controlling of the shape of metal foam. According to the present invention, a mold that transmits light and a precursor prepared by mixing a metal with a foaming agent are used, and a metal foam is produced by irradiating the precursor with a light transmitted through the mold to thereby heat and foam the precursor so as to obtain a metal foam, while controlling the shape of the metal foam by the mold.

Abstract: Chinese ink is applied on various materials and stabilized by atomic layer deposition to fabricate solar steam generation devices. The encapsulated ink has excellent photothermal properties and evaporation efficiency under simulated sunlight, holding great promise in solar evaporation device applications.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a crosslinked polymer primer layer, and grafted thereto a ligand-functionalized polymer is provided. The grafted polymer has the requisite affinity for binding neutral or negatively charged biomaterials, such as cells, cell debris, bacteria, spores, viruses, nucleic acids, and proteins, at pH's near or below the pI's of the biomaterials.

Abstract: A fiber material formed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material containing particles of metal disbursed there through. More particularly, there is disclosed a fiber material formed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material containing particles of metal dispersed intermittently within the fiber material during fiber formation, wherein the particles of metal are exposed at least in part on a surface of the fiber material, wherein the fiber material also includes carbon fiber nanotubes added to the fiber material, and wherein the fiber material is woven into a fabric and the fabric is formed into an article of clothing.

Abstract: The invention provides polymer-grafted and functionalized nonwoven membranes adapted for use in bioseparation processes, the membranes including a nonwoven web of polyester fibers having an average fiber diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, each of the plurality of polyester fibers having grafted thereon a plurality of polymer segments constructed of a methacrylate polymer, each polymer segment carrying a functional group adapted for binding to a target molecule. The invention also provides a method of bioseparation comprising passing a solution comprising the target molecule, such as a protein, through the nonwoven membrane of the invention such that at least a portion of the target molecule in the solution binds to the nonwoven membrane. A method for preparing a polymer-grafted and functionalized nonwoven membrane adapted for use in bioseparation processes is also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing an in-situ foam comprising the following mixing components: one or more inorganic fillers A) at from 50 to 98 wt %, one or more cationic or amphoteric polymers B) at from 1 to 48 wt %, one or more surfactants C) at from 0.5 to 48 wt %, one or more crosslinkers D) capable of reacting with said polymers B) at from 0.01 to 5 wt %, one or more cell regulators E), selected from silicones, siliconates and carbon, at from 0.5 to 10 wt %, one or more additives F) at from 0 to 20 wt %, wherein the weight percentages of said components A) to F) are based on the nonaqueous fractions and the sum total of A) to F) adds up to 100 wt %.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed article comprises (a) milling a block or sheet of thermoplastic polymer to form a precursor; (b) crosslinking the thermoplastic polymer; (c) heating the precursor to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymer; (d) infusing the thermoplastic polymer with at least one inert gas at a first pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymer; and (e) while the thermoplastic polymer is softened, reducing the pressure to a second pressure below the first pressure to at least partially foam the precursor into a foamed article, wherein the foamed article is substantially the same shape as the precursor.

Abstract: A resin composite having excellent strength is easily produced by using a resin foam having a specific surface roughness (Ra) as the core material of the resin composite.

Abstract: Fine-cell PMMA foams are produced using a production process including nucleators in addition to suitable blowing agents. It was found that, surprisingly, a simple-to-produce stable PMMA foam having very fine cells and very good properties can be produced.

Abstract: A particle filtering device which shortens the separation time of particles and increases the separation efficiency are provided. The particle filtering device comprises: a filtration membrane which separates a particle by filtering a sample; a first body connected to an inlet side of the filtration membrane, which supplies the sample to the inlet side of the filtration membrane; and a second body connected to an outlet side of the filtration membrane, which accommodates a permeate whose particle is separated through the filtration membrane, wherein the particle filtering device has a structure in which the permeate is accommodated in advance between the second body and the outlet side of the filtration membrane.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed article comprises (a) milling a block or sheet of thermoplastic polymer to form a precursor; (b) crosslinking the thermoplastic polymer; (c) heating the precursor to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymer; (d) infusing the thermoplastic polymer with at least one inert gas at a first pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymer; and (e) while the thermoplastic polymer is softened, reducing the pressure to a second pressure below the first pressure to at least partially foam the precursor into a foamed article, wherein the foamed article is substantially the same shape as the precursor.

Abstract: A new fabrication process for flexible and wearable microfluidic channel structures and devices is provided. Microfluidic channel structures and devices can be printed on textiles and in particular on flexible fabrics, such as clothing, for applications in wearable microfluidic sensors and systems. The wearable and flexible microfluidic devices are fabricated from water-insoluble plastisol polymers, which may be screen-printable, and sheets of paper may be used as a sacrificial substrate during production.

Abstract: A thermoplastic sulfur-polymer composite comprises a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene and polystyrene; and a sulfur element. Such sulfur element functions as passive sulfur filler in this composite. The thermoplastic polymer is a polymer matrix; and the sulfur filler is dispersed in the polymer matrix. There is no chemical reaction occurs after the addition of the sulfur filler into the host polymer and no chemical bond formed between the polymer and the sulfur filler. The thermoplastic sulfur-polymer composite can be a nanocomposite by either adding certain nanofillers into the composite or making the sulfur filler as sulfur nanoparticles. With its similar physical properties and lower manufacturing costs, the thermoplastic sulfur-polymer composites are good alternatives of the respective pure polymers.

Abstract: A series of novel ketocoumarin photoinitiators are disclosed for use in radiation curing.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for film comprise at least one ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer, wherein the ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer may have, for example, a Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5, at least one melting point, Tm, in degrees Celsius, and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values of Tm and d correspond to the relationship: Tm>?2002.9+4538.5(d)?2422.2(d)2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of radiation-cured foams, characterized in that the radiation-cured foams are produced by 1) foaming of an aqueous composition A), 2) thermal drying of the foam produced from step 1), 3) curing of the foam by actinic radiation, the radiation-curable aqueous compositions A), the radiation-cured foams produced by the process according to the invention and the use of the radiation-cured foams for coating substrates.

Abstract: A method for making a flat polymer foam having a core layer of nano-sized open, interconnected cells that includes saturating a solid-state polymer with a supercritical fluid, allowing the gas to desorb for at least 35 minutes, and then heating the gas-saturated solid polymer for at least 3 minutes while constraining the foam in the thickness dimension. Any skin layer formed on the exterior may be removed via polishing, thus creating a foam with an open structure from side to side. The foam can be used as a battery separator.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing carbon-coated nano- or micron-scale particles comprising a container for entraining particles in an aerosol gas, providing an inlet for carbon-containing gas, providing an inlet for plasma gas, a proximate torch for mixing the aerosol gas, the carbon-containing gas, and the plasma gas, bombarding the mixed gases with microwaves, and providing a collection device for gathering the resulting carbon-coated nano- or micron-scale particles. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for making hollow carbon nano- or micro-scale spheres.

Abstract: Crosslinked foams having high filler loadings, which may be formed from A) a polyolefin having a crystallinity of 21 percent or less, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of less than 15 mole percent, or a combination thereof; B) a polyolefin having a viscosity between 500 and 20,000 cP, as measured using ASTM D1084 (Brookfield Viscosity at 350° F.); and C) a filler, wherein the crosslinked foam includes from 10 to 80 parts filler per hundred parts of components A, B, and C, by weight. In other aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, the crosslinked foam may optionally include one or more of: D) at least one polyolefin having a crystallinity of greater than 21 weight percent, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 15 mole percent or greater, or a combination thereof; and E) a scorch retarder.

Abstract: An article comprising two chemically grafted polymer layers comprising a hydrogel layer and an end-functionalized polyurethane layer. The invention also includes methods of making and using the article.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a nanovoided article, a nanovoided coating, and a low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent; at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution, wherein the insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution; and removing a major portion of the solvent from the second solution. An apparatus for the process is also described, and includes a webline, a coating section, a partial polymerization section, and a solvent removal section.

Abstract: There are provided a composition for silicone rubber foam, a manufacturing method of a silicone rubber foam, and a silicone rubber foam in which it is possible to control the foaming states. The composition for silicone rubber foam contains: (A) 100 parts by mass of polyorganosiloxane having a degree of polymerization of 4,000 to 10,000 and having two or more alkenyl groups at a content of 0.001 mmol/g or more and less than 0.3 mmol/g; an amount of polyorganohydrogensiloxane having an average of two or more Si-atom-bonded hydrogen atoms so that a molar ratio of the hydrogen atoms to the alkenyl groups in the (A) component is 0.001 to 5; 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of an organic foaming agent with a decomposition temperature of 50 to 250° C.; 5 to 200 parts by mass of silica powder; and a catalyst amount of a platinum-based metal catalyst activated with ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: There are provided a composition for silicone rubber foam, a manufacturing method of a silicone rubber foam, and a silicone rubber foam in which it is possible to control the foaming states. The composition for silicone rubber foam contains: (A) 100 parts by mass of polyorganosiloxane having a degree of polymerization of 4,000 to 10,000 and having two or more alkenyl groups at a content of 0.001 mmol/g or more and less than 0.3 mmol/g; an amount of polyorganohydrogensiloxane having an average of two or more Si-atom-bonded hydrogen atoms so that a molar ratio of the hydrogen atoms to the alkenyl groups in the (A) component is 0.001 to 5; 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of an organic foaming agent with a decomposition temperature of 50 to 250° C.; 5 to 200 parts by mass of silica powder; and a catalyst amount of a platinum-based metal catalyst activated with ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: Foam-based and powder-based adsorbents and a related method of manufacture are provided. The foam-based and powder-based adsorbents includes polymer foam or powder with grafted side chains and an increased surface area per unit weight to increase the adsorption of dissolved metals, for example uranium, from aqueous solutions. A method for forming the foam-based or powder-based adsorbents includes irradiating polymer foam or powder, grafting with polymerizable reactive monomers, reacting with hydroxylamine, and conditioning with an alkaline solution. Foam-based and powder-based adsorbents formed according to the present method demonstrated a significantly improved uranium adsorption capacity per unit weight over existing adsorbents.

Abstract: A method for producing foams, such as sponges, from hydrocolloids is described. A solid or semi-solid gel is formed by dissolving polymeric material in an aqueous solvent. The gel formed is allowed to set, and may optionally then be cut into the desired shape. The gel may be frozen to allow formation of ice crystals to act as porogens. Subsequently, the gel is exposed to a radiant energy field for drying under vacuum. This causes the solvent to boil and the foam or sponge is formed. Medicinally active ingredients may be included in the process, so that the sponge or foam formed contains the active ingredient dispersed within the structure. The method described provides an alternative to the conventional methods of particulate leaching or freeze drying.

Abstract: The method of foaming and applying a sealing material is characterized by comprising the steps of hot-melting the sealing material; mixing nitrogen gas into the melted sealing material under a predefined pressurization; discharging the resultant mixture at a predefined pressure into the air to thus foam the mixture and simultaneously apply it to a place necessary to seal, thus making a sealing foam; and curing this sealing foam by ultraviolet rays. By this method, the sealing material does not involve flowing after applied, and shows an excellent sealing performance even under severe heat resistance conditions, and also can make good independent cells inside even when used in a foamed condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to compositions for nail coatings, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to polymerizable compositions. The disclosure further relates to methods of making a polymerizable, protective and scratch resistant topcoat layer that can be easily removed.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate copolymer useful as a material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The copolymer includes at least one caprolactone unit, at least one fumarate unit, and at least one third unit selected from the group consisting of acrylate units and styrenic units. A linking moiety forms a link between the third unit and at least one caprolactone unit or at least one fumarate unit. The linking moiety can be photodegradable. In one form, the third unit includes at least one methyl methacrylate unit. The copolymer can be used to form the wall of a nerve conduit.

Abstract: There are provided a composition for silicone rubber foam, a manufacturing method of a silicone rubber foam, and a silicone rubber foam in which it is possible to control the foaming states. The composition for silicone rubber foam contains: (A) 100 parts by mass of polyorganosiloxane having a degree of polymerization of 4,000 to 10,000 and having two or more alkenyl groups at a content of 0.001 mmol/g or more and less than 0.3 mmol/g; an amount of polyorganohydrogensiloxane having an average of two or more Si-atom-bonded hydrogen atoms so that a molar ratio of the hydrogen atoms to the alkenyl groups in the (A) component is 0.001 to 5; 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of an organic foaming agent with a decomposition temperature of 50 to 250° C.; 5 to 200 parts by mass of silica powder; and a catalyst amount of a platinum-based metal catalyst activated with ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: A method of producing a HIPE foam using Ultraviolet (UV) light to polymerize a High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) having two or more layers. The method uses UV light to polymerize HIPEs having two or more layers wherein each of the layers comprises a continuous oil phase containing monomers, photoinitiator, and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: Gel for radiation dosimeter including a gel part (A) and a gel part (B) that become cloudy when exposed to a fixed dose or more, wherein said gel part (A) exposed to more than a specified dose above the fixed dose maintains a cloudy state regardless of the decrease in external temperature; and said gel part (B) exposed to less than the specified dose above the fixed dose changes gradually from a cloudy state into a transparent state according to the decrease in external temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to UV-rearranged PIM-1 polymeric membranes that can be used for advanced hydrogen purification and production. The present invention also relates to a process of preparing UV-rearranged PIM-1 polymeric membranes. The present invention further relates to a method of separating gas mixtures using the UV-rearranged PIM-1 polymeric membranes of the present invention.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: An RF inductor such as a Tesla antenna splices nanotube ends together to form a nanostructure in a polymer foam matrix. High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) is gently sheared and stretched in a reactor comprising opposed coaxial counter-rotating impellers, which parallel-align polymer chains and also carbon nanotubes mixed with the oil phase. Stretching and forced convection prevent the auto-acceleration effect. Batch and continuous processes are disclosed. In the batch process, a fractal radial array of coherent vortices in the HIPE is preserved when the HIPE polymerizes, and helical nanostructures around these vortices are spliced by microhammering into longer helices. A disk radial filter produced by the batch process has improved radial flux from edge to center due to its area-preserving radial vascular network. In the continuous process, strips of HIPE are pulled from the periphery of the reactor continuously and post-treated by an RF inductor to produce cured conductive foam.

Abstract: A fiber-based adsorbent and a related method of manufacture are provided. The fiber-based adsorbent includes polymer fibers with grafted side chains and an increased surface area per unit weight over known fibers to increase the adsorption of dissolved metals, for example uranium, from aqueous solutions. The polymer fibers include a circular morphology in some embodiments, having a mean diameter of less than 15 microns, optionally less than about 1 micron. In other embodiments, the polymer fibers include a non-circular morphology, optionally defining multiple gear-shaped, winged-shaped or lobe-shaped projections along the length of the polymer fibers. A method for forming the fiber-based adsorbents includes irradiating high surface area polymer fibers, grafting with polymerizable reactive monomers, reacting the grafted fibers with hydroxylamine, and conditioning with an alkaline solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing superabsorbent foams comprising the steps of foaming an aqueous mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer bearing acid groups, at least one blowing agent, at least one crosslinker and at least one surfactant, polymerizing the foamed mixture and drying the polymerized mixture, to the foams and also to their use for absorbing aqueous fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to foam derived from natural oils, e.g. plant and animal oils. The oils are functionalized to allow for the preparation of foams with desired chemical and physical properties, such as density and robustness. The foam may contain a triglyceride having a first set of functional groups, and a second compound or chain extender (e.g., a second triglyceride, a fatty acid or polyethylene glycol) having a second set of functional groups capable of reacting with the first set of functional groups to form a covalent bond.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermoplastic auxetic foams comprising the steps of: a) taking conventional thermoplastic foam; b) subjecting said foam to at least one process cycle wherein the foam is biaxially compressed and heated; c) optionally subjecting the foam to at least one process cycle wherein the biaxial compression is removed and the foam mechanically agitated prior to reapplying biaxial compression and heating; d) cooling said foam to a temperature below the softening temperature of said foam; and e) removing said compression and heat.

Abstract: A selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming technique is described to fabricate porous polymers for biomedical applications. Process variables, including ultrasound power, scanning speed, and gas concentration have an affect on pore size. Pore size can be controlled with the scanning speed of the ultrasound insonation and interconnected porous structures could be obtained using a partially saturated polymers. A gas concentration range of 3-5% by weight creates interconnected open-celled porous structures. The selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming method can be used on biocompatible polymers so as not to introduce any organic solvents. The method has use in cell related biomedical applications such as studying cell growth behaviors by providing a porous environment with varying topological features.

Abstract: Fluoropolymer foams are prepared by mixing fluoropolymer resin with blowing agents and additives to produce foamable compounds at temperatures below the activation temperature of the blowing agent. The compounded material is expanded at temperatures above both the softening point of the fluoropolymer resin and the activation temperature of the blowing agent. The resulting fluoropolymer foam can be fabricated into any desired shape, such as pipes, sheets, tapes, blocks and rods, using techniques such as cutting, welding, thermoforming and adhesive bonding. Alternatively the fluoropolymer compound may be expanded directly into the desired shape, for example, by expanding the compound in a mold.

Abstract: Photoinitiator compounds comprising both a photoactive moiety and an amine functionality, bonded to a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, which photoinitiator is represented by formula (1) or (1?) wherein n is 2m; m is an integer of 2 to 30; the sum of n?+a is an integer 4-60; n? is an even-numbered integer; a is an even- or uneven-numbered integer; and for example different A C1-C12alkyl, or a photoactive moiety Q1, or a group of formula (2); E for example is a direct bond, L is linear or branched C1-C3alkylene, preferably propylene; R1 and R2 for example are a photoactive moiety Q, or C2-20alkyl; Q is for example a group of formula (4); Z2 is for example C1-C6alkylene which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more OR6; and R6, R12, R13 and R14 for example are hydrogen; are especially suitable as low-migrating photoinitiators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopolymer-modified nanocarrier in which chitosan is bound to a water-soluble biocompatible polymer that has been crosslinked via a photo-crosslinkable functional group; wherein the chitosan-modified nanocarrier has a diameter which changes in accordance with changes in temperature, has enhanced skin permeability or cellular uptake and selective delivery to cancer tissue as compared with a bare nanocarrier to which chitosan has not been bound, and exhibits characteristics that are advantageous in photothermal therapy. The chitosan-modified nanocarrier of the present invention exhibits highly superior efficacy as a transdermal carrier, since the skin permeability is enhanced to a significant level as compared with a bare nanocarrier that has no chitosan.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin foam which excels in properties such as strength, flexibility, cushioning properties, and strain recovery, particularly has a cell structure resistant to shrinkage caused by the restoring force of the resin, and has a high expansion ratio. The cross-linked resin foam is obtained by heating a resin composition containing an elastomer, an active-energy-ray-curable compound, and a thermal crosslinking agent to form a cross-linked structure derived from the thermal crosslinking agent in the resin composition; subjecting the cross-linked-structure-containing resin composition to foam molding to give a foamed structure; and irradiating the foamed structure with an active energy ray to form another cross-linked structure derived from the active-energy-ray-curable compound to give the cross-linked resin foam.

Abstract: This invention relates to chemical polymer compositions, methods of synthesis, and fabrication methods for devices regarding polymers capable of displaying shape memory behavior (SMPs) and which can first be polymerized to a linear or branched polymeric structure, having thermoplastic properties, subsequently processed into a device through processes typical of polymer melts, solutions, and dispersions and then crossed linked to a shape memory thermoset polymer retaining the processed shape.