Abstract: A data center having a hot aisle, a cold aisle, a row of server rack cabinets located between the cold aisle and the hot aisle, and a self-expanding gap filler located in a gap between adjacent elements in the data center is provided. The self-expanding gap filler includes a compressible material and an outer layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an inner space, the outer layer encapsulating the compressible material within the inner space. The compressible material is configured to expand from a compressed state within the inner space of the outer layer to an expanded state within the inner space of the outer layer in response to a seal being at least partially released within the outer layer to allow air to flow into the inner space of the outer layer, whereby the self-expanding gap filler at least partially fills the gap between the adjacent elements in the data center.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a three-dimensional (3D) printer, a neutral feedstock, a p-doped feedstock, an n-doped feedstock, and a laser. The 3D printer includes a platen and an enclosure. The platen includes an inert metal. The enclosure includes an inert atmosphere. The neutral feedstock is configured to be deposited onto the platen. The neutral feedstock includes a halogenated solution and a nanoparticle having a negative electron affinity. The p-doped feedstock is configured to be deposited onto the platen. The p-doped feedstock includes a boronated compound introduced to the neutral feedstock. The n-doped feedstock is configured to be deposited onto the platen. The n-doped feedstock includes a phosphorous compound introduced to the neutral feedstock. The laser is configured to induce the nanoparticle to emit solvated electrons into the halogenated solution to form, by reduction, layers of a ceramic comprising a neutral layer, a p-doped layer, and an n-doped layer.

Abstract: An electrophotographic member having a high conductivity and having high adhesiveness to other layer, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus using the electrophotographic member as a developer carrying member are provided. The electrophotographic member is an electrophotographic member including an electro-conductive mandrel and an electro-conductive layer, wherein the electro-conductive layer has a resin having a structure represented by the following structural formula (1), and an anion.

Abstract: Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous polymer coatings having adhesive and air flow resistive properties. The porous polymer coating comprises a polymeric foam having a void fraction of greater than about 15% and an air permeability greater than 3 cubic feet per minute per square foot as measured based on ASTM D737-04.

Abstract: A reticulated foam structure comprising a plurality of closely-spaced fibers extending across and between the cells. A reticulated polymer foam structure is enhanced by fibers of metal, metal alloys, metal oxides, carbon or glass that are chopped or milled and introduced into the foam structure during foam formation or by entrainment of fibers into the foam. The resulting structure is used as a template to create a high porosity reticulated foam structure of a non-polymer material by coating the non-polymer onto the fiber-enhanced structure and removing the polymer by heating or pyrolizing. The design has utility for applications such as filtration, implants, heat transfer and electrodes, which require structures with low cost, high porosity, small effective pore sizes and large contact surface area.

Abstract: Implant devices and structures that reduce inflammation and promote healing of the area of implant. Specifically, the use of shape memory open cell biocompatible polymer foams for implants that assist in and promote healing and especially in filling and sealing aneurisms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a sheet for a sealing member of a solar cell, wherein the sheet has significantly low thermal shrinkage and high flexibility, and a superior capability of discharging bubbles during the manufacture of a solar cell module. The method for preparing a sheet for a sealing member of a solar cell according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a thermal adhesive resin having an olefin-based resin as a main component; (b) pulverizing the thermal adhesive resin and dispersing the resin powder; and (c) heating the thermal adhesive resin powder at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the resin powder so as to prepare a sheet having a plurality of voids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet for use as a packaging material having a low percentage thermal shrinkage, outstanding flexibility and outstanding properties as a packaging material for solar cells. The sheet for use as a packaging material for solar cells according to the present invention is a resin sheet having air spaces obtained by the hot-melt bonding of a portion of a dispersed hot-bonding resin powder, wherein the apparent density of the sheet is no less than 20(%) and no more than 70(%) of the net density of the hot-bonding resin, such that the sheet is adequately flexible.

Abstract: The present document describes a method and apparatus to rapidly reticulate closed-cell or partially closed-cell foams. The method involves the propagation of an energy impulse inside the foam; the energy impulse can be a shock wave. The energy impulse is generated in the same gaseous environment in which the foam is immersed, preferentially air in room condition. The energy impulse destroys the membranes closing the foam cells without disintegrating the frame's structure. In particular, the method rapidly improves the acoustic and filtering behavior of the foams.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reticulated elastomeric matrices, and more particularly to at least partially degradable elastomeric elements that are compressible and exhibit resilience in their recovery and that can be employed in diverse applications including, without limitation, biological implantation, especially in humans.

Abstract: This invention relates to viscoelastic silicone rubber compositions that are the products of the reaction of: (a) a silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxane base; (b) a boron-containing crosslinking agent; and (c) a siloxane bond-forming crosslinking agent. In a viscoelastic silicone rubber composition of the invention some of the crosslinks, the siloxane crosslinks, are permanent and others of the crosslinks, the boron-containing crosslinks, are temporary. Because a fraction of its crosslinks can come apart and then reform, a viscoelastic silicone rubber composition of the invention can relax stress in response to strain and thus adapt to new shapes. The composition has sufficient permanent crosslinks, however, to establish a permanent equilibrium shape to which the composition will eventually return when not subject to any imposed stress.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, polyurethane foam manufactured from a composition that includes 90-110 parts by weight of polyester polyol, 0.9-1.1 parts by weight of ester surfactant, 3-20 parts by weight of a hydrophilic surfactant, 1.89-2.31 parts by weight of a polyurethane catalyst, 0.126-0.154 parts by weight of an amine catalyst, 3.348-4.092 parts by weight of water, and 46.98-57.42 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate. The polyurethane is capable of absorbing water in a time period of about 5 minutes or less. The polyurethane foam is a precursor to the formation of a molten metal filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a new class of hydrolysable isocyanates, hydrolysable branched polyols and branched absorbable polyesters and polyurethanes prepared therefrom. The resultant absorbable polymers are useful for drug delivery, stents, highly porous foam, reticulated foam, tissue engineering, tissue adhesives, adhesion prevention, bone wax formulations, medical device coatings, surface modifying agents and other implantable medical devices. In addition, these absorbable polymers can have a controlled hydrolytic degradation profile.

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: A high strength porous polymeric material manufactured by a compression process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: A high strength porous biphasic polymeric reinforcement material manufactured by a compression and/or sintering process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: The present invention provides aptamer-modified polymers and materials thereof, which may be used for the binding of factors in a wound bed. For example, the aptamer-modified materials can be polypeptides conjugated to polymer foam materials. Such materials may be used, for example, for dressings, wound inserts, or pads.

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: The present invention relates to the discovery of new class of hydrolysable amino acid derivatives and absorbable polyester amides, polyamides, polyepoxides, polyureas and polyurethanes prepared therefrom. The resultant absorbable polymers are useful for drug delivery, tissue engineering, tissue adhesives, adhesion prevention, bone wax formulations, medical device coatings, stents, stent coatings, highly porous foams, reticulated foams, wound care, cardiovascular applications, orthopedic devices, surface modifying agents and other implantable medical devices. In addition, these absorbable polymers should have a controlled degradation profile.

Abstract: Single domain wafer-scale colloidal crystals and macroporous polymers are formed by dispersing concentrated solutions of colloids, desirably monodisperse silica colloids, in a viscous monomer, desirably ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and spin-coating them onto a substrate. Subsequent photopolymerization produces three-dimensionally ordered colloidal crystals trapped inside a polymer matrix. Selective removal of the polymer matrix, such as by oxygen plasma treatment, or removal of the silica spheres, such as by wet etching, produces large-area colloidal crystals and macroporous polymers, respectively.

Abstract: Modified porous materials are disclosed having interconnected, complexly shaped three-dimensional surfaces. The modification is accomplished by crosslinking the three-dimensional surfaces or by incorporating, in situ, an inorganic material onto or into three-dimensional surfaces. The porous materials are macro structures including at least one of nano-features, micro-features, and combinations thereof. The modifying accomplishes changing surface properties of the porous materials, changing the three-dimensional surfaces, and/or rendering the porous materials substantially stable in a predetermined environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reticulated elastomeric matrices, and more particularly to at least partially degradable elastomeric elements that are compressible and exhibit resilience in their recovery and that can be employed in diverse applications including, without limitation, biological implantation, especially in humans.

Abstract: A high strength porous polymeric material manufactured by a compression process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of adducts containing peptidic-based segments of proteic hydrolysates and gelatins, chemically bound to polymeric-based segments of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with variable length and processes for the preparation thereof. The new materials can also contain segments of acrylic or vinylic polymers.

Abstract: A structural foam material comprising that contains a volatile corrosion inhibitor homogenized in the pre-thermoformed resin. The foam can be of a reticulated or open-cell type. The foam can also be of a closed-cell type that has a sufficient number of cells opened so as to permit migration of the volatilzed corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A hydrophobic foam insulation material is formed from a foam core material and a hydrophobic surface layer that is covalently bonded to the core, and is fully conformal to the core foam material. The surface layer is applied in a plasma. The foam material may have further been subjected to a reticulation process involving a plasma to reduce the density of the foam. Such hydrophobic insulation material is thus made lightweight, flexible, and suitable for aircraft applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative gel foam elastomer and method of manufacturing thereof, which blends raw gel with the powdery foaming/bridging agent, and then adds some assistants to begin the foaming procedure. The raw gel molecules and foaming agent molecules generate a bonding effect of virtual key or elastic key, thus forming a solid gel foam elastomer. The elastomer can be fabricated into various 3D structures, and also incorporated into the superficial layer or mat structure. The elastomer of the present invention overcomes the instability problem of existing liquid gel, but also maintains the excellent softness property, thus providing improved applicability for the industry and the users.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a water dispersible polymer particle stabilized by a hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide dispersant. The present invention also discloses a heterogeneous method for forming polymer particles comprising providing a water immiscible organic phase comprising at least one monomer dispersed in a continuous water phase and a hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide, and polymerizing said organic phase to yield polymer particles stabilized with hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide. Also disclosed in the present invention is a heterogeneous method for forming polymer particles comprising providing a water immiscible organic dispersed in a continuous water phase, polymerizing said organic phase, and adding bydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide to yield polymer particles stabilized with hydrophobically capped oligomeric acrylamide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising: (a) dielectric material; and (b) porogen comprising at least two fused aromatic rings wherein each of the fused aromatic rings has at least one alkyl substituent thereon and a bond exists between at least two of the alkyl substituents on adjacent aromatic rings. Preferably, the dielectric material is a composition comprising (a) thermosetting component comprising (1) optionally monomer of Formula I as set forth below and (2) at least one oligomer or polymer of Formula II as set forth below where Q, G, h, I, I, and w are as set forth below and (b) porogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising: (a) dielectric material; and (b) porogen comprising at least two fused aromatic rings wherein each of the fused aromatic rings has at least one alkyl substituent thereon and a bond exists between at least two of the alkyl substituents on adjacent aromatic rings. Preferably, the dielectric material is a composition comprising (a) thermosetting component comprising (1) optionally monomer of Formula I as set forth below and (2) at least one oligomer or polymer of Formula II as set forth below where Q, G, h, I, I, and w are as set forth below and (b) porogen.

Abstract: Open-celled membranes from thermoplastic polymers are prepared from foamed polymer melts by extrusion through a die and particulary suitable for filtration.

Abstract: Expanded granules or a moulded article made therefrom, based on semicrystalline propylene polymer comprising, per 100 parts by weight, less than 0.035 parts by weight of volatile compounds and processes for its preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising (a) thermosetting component comprising: (1) optionally monomer of Formula I as set forth below and (2) at least one oligomer or polymer of Formula II as set forth below where E, Q, G, h, l, j, and w are as set forth below and (b) porogen that bonds to thermosetting component (a). Preferably, the porogen is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted polynorbornene, substituted polynorbornene, polycaprolactone, unsubstituted polystyrene, substituted polystyrene, polyacenaphthylene homopolymer, and polyacenaphthylene copolymer. Preferably, the present compositions may be used as dielectric substrate in microchips, multichip modules, laminated circuit boards, or printed wiring boards.

Abstract: An ink retaining flexible polyurethane foam is prepared by reacting a polyether polyol with from 50 to 80 parts by weight, based on the weight of polyol, of a polyisocyanate component having one or a mixture of methylene diisocyanates. The foam has pore sizes above 70 pores per linear inch, preferably in the range of 70 to 90 pores per linear inch in an uncompressed state. The foam is reticulated to improve liquid holding capacity, and, depending upon cell size, compressed into a container. The foam absorbs and retains ink, and is resistant against attack from ink, producing less than 2.0% solvent extractables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of drying agents of superabsorbent polymers, molecular sieves and mixtures thereof and binders of polyurethane foam, polyisocyanurate foam and supports comprising cellulose and a method for separating, drying and/or filtering chemical mixtures. The composition and method of the invention have broad applicability. They may be used for example to remove water from chemical mixtures like refrigerants (e.g., in vehicular refrigeration systems), air (e.g., in vehicular braking systems), natural gas and cleaning solvents (e.g., used in semiconductor manufacture and pipeline cleaning).

Abstract: A selective adsorption material, especially suitable for adsorption of biological macromolecules, is described. The, adsorption material comprises a matrix with immobilised ligands, localised to selectively adsorb a predetermined molecule. A process for preparing a selective adsorption material, especially suitable for adsorption of biological macromolecules, is also described. The process is characterised in that a print molecule having at least two separate binding sites is bonded to the corresponding, at least two immobilisable ligands, the ligands are immobilised, and subsequently the print molecule is removed. The selective adsorption material can be used for purification or analysis, especially of biological macromolecules.

Abstract: An ink retaining flexible polyurethane foam is prepared by reacting a polyether polyol with from 50 to 80 parts by weight, based on the weight of polyol, of a polyisocyanate component having one or a mixture of methylene diisocyanates. The foam has pore sizes above 70 pores per linear inch, preferably in the range of 70 to 90 pores per linear inch in an uncompressed state. The foam is reticulated to improve liquid holding capacity, and, depending upon cell size, compressed into a container. The foam absorbs and retains ink, and is resistant against attack from ink, producing less than 2.0% solvent extractables.

Abstract: An ink retaining flexible polyurethane foam is prepared by reacting a polyether polyol with from 20 to 50 parts by weight, based on the weight of polyol, of a polyisocyanate component having one or a mixture of toluene diisocyanates, such that the 2,4 isomer of toluene diisocyanate includes no more than seventy-five percent by weight of the polyisocyanate component, preferably no more than seventy two and one half percent by weight. The foam has pore sizes in the range of 70 to 88 pores per inch in an uncompressed state. The foam is reticulated to improve liquid holding capacity, and, depending upon pore size, felted to compression ratios from 1 to 2 up to from 1 to 20. The foam absorbs and retains ink, and is resistant against attack from ink, emitting less than 2.0% solvent extractables, preferably less than 1.1% solvent extractables.

Abstract: An ink wastage absorber is made from a flexible polyurethane foam having an air-permeability of 1.0 cc/cm2/sec or more, or is made from a flexible polyurethane foam produced by using a foamable raw material containing a polyol, an isocyanate, a catalyst, and a foaming agent, wherein the polyurethane foam is impregnated with a surface active agent. An ink supporter includes an ink permeation member provided at a portion corresponding to a printer head and an ink absorbing member being in contact with the ink permeation member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integral net having a lattice of polymeric material defined by holes traversing the integral net from one surface to the other. The present invention also provides a method for producing an embossed sheet of polymeric material by first contacting a billet of polymeric material with an embossing tool having a plurality of protrusions whereby the embossing tool impresses indentations into the billet to a given depth. Subsequently, the method involves skiving the embossed billet. By this method, an embossed sheet of the polymeric material is removed from the billet, which embossed sheet can be an integral net.

Abstract: Microporous structures characterized by having a three-dimensional interconnecting network skeleton, which are obtained by comprising mixing a thermoplastic resin, a water-soluble organic compound and a water-soluble polymer material and then eliminating said water-soluble organic compound and said water-soluble polymer material by extracting with water. A process for producing microporous structures comprising mixing a thermoplastic resin with water-soluble components which contain a water-soluble organic compound and a water-soluble polymer material, at a specific volume ratio, thus forming a mixture having a three-dimensional interconnecting network skeleton made of said thermoplastic resin wherein said water-soluble components are maintained, bringing said mixture into contact with water and thus extracting and eliminating said water-soluble components from said mixture, wherein a volume ratio of the water-soluble organic compound to the water-soluble polymer material ranges from 35 to 95/65 to 5.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide three-dimensional fibrillar matrices useful as, among other things, structural prosthetics and scaffolds for cells. The porous fibrillar matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, implants as tendon and facia prosthetics, and product packaging.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the enzymatic degradation of polyester amides. The method involves mixing polyester amides with esterase or protease enzymes in aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for altering a macroporous cross-linked hydrophobic copolymeric lattice produced by precipitation polymerization in a solvent of at least one monounsaturated ester monomer and at least one polyunsaturated ester monomer soluble therein, in order to render the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice hydrophilic. The method involves saponifying the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice by reacting the surface of the hydrophobic copolymeric lattice with an aqueous alkali. The surface can also be rendered hydrophilic by polymerizing an acrylate monomer onto the lattice in order to form a surface containing carboxylic acid sites. The carboxylic acid sites formed on the surface of the lattice are converted to carboxylate anions.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for transferring color-altering material from a rigid substrate (12) to hair or fibers, and methods for making and using the same. The applicator (10) includes a first side (14) and a second side (16). A color-altering dye material (38), which is soluble in water and water-activated, is affixed to at least one of the sides (14,16) of the applicator (10). The applicator (10) is made of a material such as plastic (26), wood (28) or metal (30) and includes a handle (102) for grasping and manipulating the applicator (10) during use. The color of the dye material (38) can be the same, different, or a combination thereof. Use of the applicator (10) requires wetting the hair or fibers, and then wiping the water-activated color-altering material (38) against the hair or fibers.

Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and comprising a superabsorbent material, the polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 10 times its weight of a 0.9 wt./wt. % aqueous NaCl solution maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 10 times its weight of absorbed aqueous NaCl solution which is bound to the superabsorbent material, the cellular structure having a cell size of at least about 30 cells/inch when measured pursuant to ASTM D3576-77. A process for producing the foamed isocyanate-based polymer is also described. The process comprises the steps of: contacting an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound, an aqueous blowing agent, a catalyst and a superabsorbent material, the superabsorbent material being capable of absorbing at least about 10 times its weight of a 0.9 wt./wt. % aqueous NaCl solution maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and containing a superabsorbent material, the polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 20 times its weight of absorbed aqueous fluid which is bound to the superabsorbent material. A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer comprising the steps of: providing a substantially uniform mixture comprising an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound and a superabsorbent material, the superabsorbent material being capable of absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A polymeric reticulated structure is prepared by mixing an ethylene-propylene copolymer having an ethylene content of at least 60% by weight or a thermoplastic block copolymer terminated with a crystalline ethylene block with a low molecular weight material. The low molecular weight material is trapped in the three-dimensional continuous network the copolymer forms.

Abstract: Described is a process for making closed cell fluoropolymer foam, and the foam so made. The process includes subjecting a fluoropolymer resin an inert gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric to drive gas into the resin, raising the temperature of the resin to or above its softening point, and reducing the pressure while maintaining the temperature at or above the softening point of the resin, in order to expand the resin to result in closed cell fluoropolymer foam. The resin is cross-linked prior to expansion. The resulting foams can be used in various applications, such as in flotation devices and for making thermal and/or acoustic insulation.