Abstract: The embodiments described herein include porous scaffolds formed from a stimuli-responsive polymer. The stimuli-responsive polymer of the scaffold creates a “smart” scaffold that changes properties in response to an effective stimulus applied to the stimuli-responsive polymer. In a preferred embodiment, an effective stimulus applied to the scaffold initiates a phase transition event in the stimuli-responsive polymer that results in a change in the volume of the pores of the scaffold. The scaffolds can be used to capture appropriately sized objects (e.g., cells) by using the volume-change properties of the pores. Relatedly, the scaffolds can be used as tissue-engineering scaffolds by capturing cells in the pores and introducing the cell-loaded scaffold into a cell-growth environment (e.g., in vivo).

Abstract: Novel melamine-formaldehyde foams comprising microcapsules built into the structure of the condensation products and also processes for the production thereof and uses thereof.

Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrous water absorbent polymer-dispersed ultraviolet curable resin composition, a porous substance, an insulated wire, a multilayer covered cable, a coaxial cable using the same, a method for manufacturing the porous substance and a method for manufacturing the insulated wire using the same. A hydrous water absorbent polymer preliminarily hydrated and swollen is dispersed in an ultraviolet curable resin composition. The ultraviolet curable resin composition includes an urethane oligomer having a molecular weight of 5000 or less and having a poly(ethylene-glicol-adipate)diol having a molecular weight of 500 to 3000 and having an acryloyl radical or a methacryloyl radical as a functional radical X at both ends by urethane bond via an alicyclic isocyanate as expressed by a following formula, at least one kind of alicyclic monomer, a hydrophilic monomer, and a photopolymerization initiator. 0.01 mass % to 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) and HIPE foams produced therefrom comprising two or more layers and having a photoinitiator.

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: A method for using Ultraviolet light to reduce the level of unpolymerized monomer in a High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of microparticles using a photo-polymerizable colloidal dispersant is provided. The method includes (a) preparing liquid droplets in a continuous phase from photo-polymerizable resin containing colloidal particles dispersed therein, then, allowing the colloidal particles to move toward an interface of the liquid droplets; and (b) UV exposing the liquid droplets to enable photo-polymerization thereof, so as to produce microparticles having a structure formed of colloidal particles on a surface of the microparticles. In addition, in order to improve the surface structure and characteristics, the foregoing method further includes (c) selective chemical reaction of the colloidal particles formed on the surface of the microparticles or, otherwise, removal of the colloidal particles.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of making a porous material comprising the following steps in the order a-b-c-d: (a) reacting at least one organosilane (A) with water in the presence of a solvent (C) to form a polymeric material, (b) subjecting said polymeric material to a first heat treatment, (c) bringing said polymeric material into contact with at least one dehydroxylation agent (D), (d) subjecting said polymeric material to electromagnetic radiation and/or to a further heat treatment. The present invention furthermore concerns the porous material obtainable by the inventive method, semiconductor devices and electronic components comprising said porous material, and the use of said material for electrical insulation and in microelectronic devices, membranes, displays and sensors.

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 for the production of a foam by curing a beaten or blown foam comprising an aqueous composition, the aqueous: composition comprising A) from 40 to 95 parts by weight of an alkali metal silicate solution having a water content of from 40 to 90% by weight, B) from 0 to 60 parts by weight of a pulverulent alkali metal silicate having a water content of from 0 to 30% by weight, C) from 0 to 15 parts by weight of a surfactant, D) from 5 to 40 parts by weight of an aqueous polymer dispersion having a solids content of from 10 to 60% by weight, and the foams obtainable by the process and the use thereof as an insulation panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of foamable copolymers, to foamable copolymers and to foamable polymer structures based on itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, aconitic acid, and glutaconic acid.

Abstract: A polyimide foam formed of an aromatic polyimide prepared from a 3,3?,4,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid component and an aromatic diamine component. The polyimide foam has flexibility at least such that no cracking occurs when a specimen of the polyimide foam with a 1 cm by 1 cm cross-section and a length of 5 cm is deformed until both ends thereof come into contact with each other to make a closed loop. The polyimide foam is obtained by dissolving a 3,3?,4,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid component and an aromatic diamine component in a solvent in the presence of an acid phosphoric ester having a specific structure to prepare a polyimide precursor and heating the polyimide precursor to expand.

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: The present invention relates to a material for dental products comprising a mixture of at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one polymer based on polysulfones which is preswollen in a portion of the polymerizable monomer.

Abstract: A three dimensional inverted colloidal crystal scaffold is described which comprises a substrate having at least one well. The scaffold also includes a three dimensional matrix comprising a transparent biocompatible polymeric network containing microspherical voids. The microspherical voids are each connected to at least one other void through inter-connecting pores. Additionally, an apparatus for producing such a colloidal crystal scaffold is described. Methods for making the inverted colloidal crystal scaffold, for using the scaffold and for identifying the effects of a drug, pharmaceutical or toxin on a living cell using the inverted colloidal crystal scaffold are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing functionalised microporous polymers (which are also known as micro-cellular polymers or polyHIPE polymers (PHPs)) using intensified internal heating (for example by microwave irradiation).

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 mould.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator is made of a rubber latex foam which has been solidified by microwave irradiation. The foam satisfies (i) a bubble fineness corresponding to 9 bubbles/mm2 or more, (ii) flexibility of 0.7 N/cm2 or less in initial Young's modulus indicated by 50% compressive stress, and (iii) bulk density of 0.14 g/cm3 or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular substance, the method of preparation and uses thereof, in particular as an absorbent substance, and in particular for the manufacture of sponges and other products for household use. The cellular substance of the invention comprises a mixture of fibers of a hydrophilic polymer, and at least one elastomer, and has a cellular structure formed by cells whose size is between 0.2 ?m and 10 mm, at least 1% of the cells, by volume as compared to the total cell volume, having a size of between 0.2 ?m and 10 ?m. The invention has application, particularly, in the area of absorbent products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing ROHACELL® foams with a compacted surface. Markedly less adhesive then has to be applied during lamination and the good mechanical properties of the ROHACELL® foams are retained. The invention further permits the use of ROHACELL® foams as a removable core.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the treatment of polyurethane foam, wherein the polyurethane foam is obtainable from a reaction mixture comprising an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide polyol component with an OH number of ?20 mg KOH/g to ?45 mg KOH/g and an isocyanate component with an NCO content of ?20 weight-% to ?49 weight-% which is selected from the group comprising diphenylmethane diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, their prepolymers with an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide polyol whose OH number is from ?20 mg KOH/g to ?45 mg KOH/g and/or their allophanates, ureas, biurets, uretdiones, isocyanurates or carbodiimides. The invention further concerns a polyurethane foam which has been treated by such a method. After the foam formation has finished, the polyurethane foam is irradiated with microwave radiation and the irradiated energy, in relation to the volume accessible by the microwave radiation, is from ?1.0 kilojoules/liter to ?2.23 kilojoules/liter.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a material, said method comprising generating a foamed hydrophilic polymer solution, especially of a gelatin or derivative thereof, and treating said foamed hydrophilic polymer solution with sufficient energy and for a sufficiently short time that a polymer foam having an open-cell structure is formed. The invention also provides a material comprising a support and an ink receiving layer supported on the support, the ink receiving layer comprising porous hydrophilic polymer, especially gelatin, and is formed by coating a solution of foamed hydrophilic polymer, especially gelatin, onto a support substrate and drying the coated substrate for a time period selected to be short enough such that an open-cell foam is formed.

Abstract: A method for forming a filter in a fluid flow path in a microfluidic device is provided. The method includes introducing a photopolymerization reaction solution into the microfluidic device; and performing polymerization of photopolymerization reaction solution to form a filter in the fluid flow path in a microfluidic device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that include providing a first particle having pores, the first particle having a first compression test value, and partially cross-linking the first particle to form a second particle having pores, the second particle having a second compression test value that is larger than the first compression test value by 25% or more, where a maximum dimension of the first particle is 5,000 microns or less, and a maximum dimension of the second particle is 5,000 microns or less.

Abstract: A foamed polymeric composition contains polypropylene and polyethylene components. The composition may have a gel content of about 10 to about 95 wt. %, per ASTM D 2765-01, method A, a density of about 16 kg/m3 to about 640 kg/m3 and a tensile elongation of at least about 200% at 150° C. per ASTM-1708-02a, speed D. Such a composition can be produced by adding an activatable foaming agent to a base resin that contains polypropylene and polyethylene components and silane functional groups, reacting the functional groups to cause cross-linking to a gel content of about 10% to about 95%, and foaming the cross-linked base resin. Alternatively, a composition may be made by adding an activatable foaming agent to the base resin, irradiating the base resin to cross-link to the stated gel content, and foaming the cross-linked base resin. Articles may be made by molding, shaping or forming such compositions.

Abstract: Permeable polymeric monolithic materials are prepared in a plastic column casing. In one embodiment, the permeable polymeric monolithic materials are polymerized by the application of heat from an external source starting at a low temperature such as 40 degrees centigrade, depending on the mixture and size of the column, and continuing at a higher temperature, such as 60 degrees centigrade. The temperature at the start of the polymerization is low enough so as not to cause exothermal run-away conditions and to avoid high heat of reaction that would prevent a substantially constant temperature across the cross-section of the column. The higher temperature is used after sufficient monomer depletion has occurred and steric interference has increased so the polymerization reaction is sufficiently slow to avoid heat of reaction generation high enough to cause significant reduction in the homogeneousness of the pore sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous membrane wherein said porous membrane comprises a cured coating composition that comprised prior to curing at least one type of monomer wherein the miscibility of water with said monomer at 25° C. is between 2 weight % and 50 weight %, and a solvent. The invention further relates to image recording materials, in which these porous membranes are used.

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 foam sheet of the present invention is biodegradable, can be recycled, has good processability, is lightweight, exhibits excellent appearance, has practically satisfactory heat resistance and is more acceptable to the environment. There is provided a crosslinked biodegradable resin continuous foam sheet comprising biodegradable resin, and has an expansion rate of about 1.5 to about 50 and a gel fraction of about 3% or more. There is further provided a method for producing the foam sheet comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a sheet from a resin composition comprising a biodegradable resin, a thermal decomposable blowing agent, and a crosslinking promoter; (2) irradiating the resulting sheet with an ionizing radiation to crosslink the resin composition; and (3) subjecting the crosslinked sheet to heat treatment to continuously prepare a crosslinked foam sheet.

Abstract: A plastic is converted from an initial condition with a higher density into a foamed condition with a lower density using a blowing agent, wherein the plastic is cross-linked prior to foaming by means of a first cross-linking agent and during the foaming by means of at least one second cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making uncrosslinked foams by polymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. The foams may be polymized with photoinitiators, thermal initiators, or redox initiators. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of polyurethane-based technical formed parts, commodity goods and objects, preferably consisting of (meth)acrylate containing isocyanate and hydroxy groups and at least 0.5 mMol/g reactive double bonds that can be determined using a DSC method. In a first step, a mixture of all starting constituents is produced and given a desired form using methods such as casting, pressing, rolling or extruding that are known per se in plastic engineering technology, whereby said mixture simultaneously or subsequently undergoes a non-radically triggered polyaddition reaction (urethane reaction) and a polyurethane substance is created in the form of a flexible, optionally elastic pre-form that can be deformed without any removal of said material. In a second step, the pre-form undergoes preferably mechanical shaping in addition to substantially emission-free hardening by means of radical polymerization of the free double bonds.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods of making high internal phase emulsion foam (HIPE) and inverse high internal phase emulsion foam (I-HIPE) using super critical fluids. Such foams may be used in a wide variety of articles such as absorbent articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to latent foamable compositions for use in or as adhesives, sealants and/or coatings. The compositions include a curable component or a thermoplastic component, together with a latent foaming agent. In curable versions of the inventive compositions, a cure initiator or catalyst may also be included.

Abstract: This invention relates to foams made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPE) containing polyelectrolytes. The emulsions comprise a continuous oil phase and a co- or discontinuous aqueous phase. The resulting foams are useful as a separations medium.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods of inducing bubble nucleation to overcome problems commonly associated with preservation by foam formation. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of using bubble nucleation in foam formation to preserve sensitive biological materials. Preferred methods of inducing bubble nucleation include, mixing, chamber rotation, crystals, and ultrasound.

Abstract: Methods of forming crosslinked polymer particles in situ from polymer precursors such as monomers or oligomers, comprising exposing a composition comprising at least one polymer precursor, a solvent or solvent mixture, and an antisolvent or antisolvent mixture to photoradiation under conditions whereby particles are formed are provided. The polymer precursor may be photosensitive, or a separate polymerization initiator may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer precursor is insoluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture and the solvent or solvent mixture is soluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture at the concentrations used. Crosslinked polymer particles and crosslinked polymer particles comprising a polymer and a bioactive material are also provided. The polymer may be erodable, and the polymer particles formed may be used in a variety of applications, including controlled release of bioactive materials such as drugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas-generating, pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising a pressure-sensitive, ultraviolet irradiation-curable adhesive (A) containing a photoinitiator, wherein the adhesive (A) transmits therethrough an ultraviolet radiation, and a gas generator compound (B) which generates a gas upon irradiation thereof with an ultraviolet radiation, wherein the gas generator compound (B) is operably combined with the pressure-sensitive, ultraviolet irradiation-curable adhesive (A), so that, in operation, when the gas-generating, pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which is adhered to an adherend is irradiated with an ultraviolet radiation, the gas generator compound (B) generates a gas and the gas effuses at an interface between the gas-generating, pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and the adherend to thereby facilitate release of the adherend from the gas-generating, pressure-sensitive adhesive composition.

Abstract: A fully imidized, solvent-free polyimide foam having excellent mechanical, acoustic, thermal, and flame resistant properties is produced. A first solution is provided, which includes one or more aromatic dianhydrides or derivatives of aromatic dianhydrides, and may include one or more aromatic diamines, dissolved in one or more polar solvents, along with an effective amount of one or more blowing agents. This first solution may also advantageously include effective amounts respectively of one or mores catalysts, one or more surfactants, and one or more fire retardants. A second solution is also provided which includes one or more isocyanates. The first and second solutions are rapidly and thoroughly mixed to produce an admixture, which is allowed to foam—in an open container, or in a closed mold—under ambient conditions to completion produce a foamed product. This foamed product is then cured by high frequency electromagnetic radiation, thermal energy, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating a porous material based on cellulose and/or lignin which consists in impregnating said porous material with at least a monomer comprising at least an irradiation-polymerisable vinyl group, then in irradiating the impregnated material with high-energy ionising radiation. The impregnating monomer comprises a grafting monomer having at least a function capable of reacting with the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose and/or the lignin and/or at least a cross-linking monomer, and the impregnation is carried out under conditions suitable for limiting the thickness of the impregnation layer to a thickness of 0.1 to 5 mm beneath the surface of the porous material. The invention is applicable to a material whereof the moisture impermeability coefficient does not exceed 55.

Abstract: This invention relates to foams made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPE) containing polyelectrolytes. The emulsions comprise a continuous oil phase and a co- or discontinuous aqueous phase. The resulting foams are useful as a separations medium.

Abstract: Hydrophilic open-celled resilient foams containing melamine-formaldehyde resins, characterized by a droplet absorption rate of less than 5 seconds and an EU standard EN ISO 14184-1 formaldehyde emission of less than 100 mg of formaldehyde/kg of foam, and obtainable by (a) heating an aqueous solution or dispersion each containing at least a melamine-formaldehyde precondensate, an emulsifier, a blowing agent and a curing agent to form a foam and crosslink the precondensate, (b) then conditioning the foam at from 120 to 300° C. for from 1 to 180 minutes to remove volatiles, and (c) treating the foam during the conditioning or thereafter with at least one hydrophilicizer and/or with ozone, a corona discharge or a plasma, are useful in hygiene articles to acquire, distribute and immobilize body fluids.

Abstract: Acrylic composition for use in variety of indoor or outdoor sealing applications, where it is required to seal, to fill or to repair cracks, joints, gaps etc. in concrete, masonry, stone, wood or other constructional materials.

Abstract: A process for coating microporous surfaces which have pores with a size of from 10 to 1500 nm, in which the surfaces in question are coated with at least one coating material curable thermally and with actinic radiation, after which the resulting film(s) is(are) cured thermally and with actinic radiation, wherein the coating material or at least one of the coating materials comprises

Abstract: This invention relates to foams made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPE) containing polyelectrolytes. The emulsions comprise a continuous oil phase and a co- or discontinuous aqueous phase. The resulting foams are useful as a separations medium.

Abstract: There is provided a cellular rubber material useful for industrial materials, building components or car parts; such as powder puff, sound insulator, heat insulator, cushioning material, gasketing material, sealing material, packing material, container, packaging material and floor covering material. A cellular rubber material is prepared by extrusion-molding into a predetermined shape, heating, crosslinking and foaming a rubber composition comprising (A) 100 parts by mass of polymer which contains 30 to 100% by mass of polar group-substituted polymer, (B) 1 to 30 parts by mass of organic blowing agent, and (C) 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of organic peroxide.

Abstract: This relates variously to techniques for comminuting polymeric foams, to techniques for preparing polymeric foams containing that comminuted foam, and to the resulting comminuted foam powder and polymeric foams. The procedures may be used on foams containing production contaminants such as polyolefins, paper, and foam skins and on other foams containing consumer contaminants such as wood, metal, leather, etc. The comminuted foam powder, with or without contaminants, preferably is screened or sifted to obtain a foam powder having a particle size of about 2 mm or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfonated polymer membrane and to a process for the preparation thereof. According to the process, a polymer film is irradiated, and the irradiated polymer film is sulfonated in order to link sulfonic acid groups thereto. According to the invention, the sulfonation is continued until the total concentration of sulfonic acid groups in the membrane is 0.4-3.0 meq/g and they are homogeneously distributed in the membrane material in such a manner that their concentration in the middle of the membrane is at minimum 0.2 meq/g. With the help of the invention, it is possible by a rapid and simple process to prepare membranes the chemical and mechanical properties of which can be regulated by means of the selection of the initial film, by irradiation and by the sulfonation process.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making foams by photopolymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.