Abstract: The present application discloses a method for preparing porous glass for an electronic cigarette, comprising the following steps: heating quartz glass to a molten state for granulation; mixing boron-silicon powder and quartz glass granules, and heating a mixture to a temperature between 600° C. to 900° C. to cover peripheries of the quartz glass granules with the boron-silicon powder; and sintering the quartz glass granules covered with boron-silicon in a preset mold to obtain the porous glass for the electronic cigarette. The technical solution according to the present application can greatly improve the smoking taste of the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention relates to citrus pectin characterized by a low degree of methyl esterification yet a high intrinsic viscosity, a process for producing pectin using citrus peel and use of an enzyme endogenous to citrus peel to produce pectin.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrophobic silica aerogel precursor, and a hydrophobic silica aerogel produced using the same. In the methods, a linear silane crosslinking agent containing a PEG-derived unit is introduced when preparing a hydrophobic aerogel precursor, resulting in the production of a hydrophobic silica aerogel having improved high-temperature thermal stability and improved physical properties.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a patterned polyimide aerogel film on a substrate includes: dispensing a polyimide prepolymer sol onto a first portion of a surface of a substrate, a second portion of the surface of the substrate being substantially free of the polyimide prepolymer sol; forming a patterned film of a polyimide prepolymer gel on the substrate from the polyimide prepolymer sol; drying the polyimide prepolymer gel to form a patterned film of a polyimide prepolymer aerogel on the substrate; and curing the polyimide prepolymer aerogel on the substrate to form the patterned polyimide aerogel film on the first portion of the surface of the substrate, the second portion of the surface of the substrate being substantially free of the patterned polyimide aerogel film.

Abstract: A process of making a synthetic leather includes (i) first, contacting a textile with an aqueous solution containing a cationic hydroxyethylcellulose polymer to form a modified textile component; (ii) subsequently, impregnating the modified textile component with an aqueous polyurethane dispersion externally stabilized with an anionic surfactant; and (iii) precipitating the polyurethane in the modified textile component. And a synthetic leather formed by the process.

Abstract: A series of particles, in which each particle contains at least 3 wt. % of pigment(s) in relation to the weight of the particle, a method for producing the series of particles, and uses thereof in cosmetic compositions, particularly in make-up for keratinous materials.

Abstract: Non-aqueous emulsion methods for producing polymeric or polymer-coated microparticles are provided. One method produces a sustained release microparticle composition by combining protein powder and a polymer into a hydrocarbon solvent to form a non-aqueous first solution and adding the first solution to a second solution, wherein the second solution comprises a fluorocarbon liquid and a fluorosurfactant to form a non-aqueous emulsion comprising multiple emulsion hydrocarbon droplets in the fluorocarbon liquid. The subsequent microparticle hardening process includes the steps of removing the hydrocarbon solvent from the formed emulsion droplets, which can be achieved through evaporation the hydrocarbon at ambient condition under stirring, or accelerated hardening through vacuum, or through adding hydrofluoroester into the fluorocarbon as a cosolvent.

Abstract: A method of producing a cryogel-based multicompartment 3D scaffold is herein disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first frozen polymeric layer on a refrigerated support kept at subzero temperature; b) providing subsequent polymeric layers to obtain a stack of polymeric layers by possibly modulating the subzero temperature of the refrigerated support; c) optionally incubating the final polymeric structure at subzero temperature; and d) placing the produced cryogel at a temperature above 0° C., the method being characterized in that each subsequent layer i) is deposited on the previous one after freezing of this latter; ii) is deposited on the previous one before the complete polymerization of this latter; and iii) is deposited with a temperature higher than the freezing temperature of the previously deposited layer. Cryogel scaffolds obtained from the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aerogel and drying method, the aerogel having a larger size, good productivity, and high transparency. The aerogel has a silsesquioxane structure and exhibits two exothermic peaks observed in a temperature range of 300 to 600° C. as measured by TG-DTA (thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis) under an inert gas atmosphere containing 80% by volume of an inert gas and 20% by volume of oxygen. A method for producing aerogel includes a drying step including a first step in which an aerogel which has undergone condensation of a hydrolysate is placed in a liquid phase system having a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase; a second step in which a first solvent constituting the first liquid phase is evaporated from the first liquid phase at a temperature greater than room temperature; and a third step in which heating is still continued after the first liquid phase is evaporated off.

Abstract: A molded body is produced from a molding material including a continuous phase and a dispersed phase by a three-dimensionalization step, a curing step, and a peeling step. The continuous phase of the molding material is a water phase containing a curable compound. In the three-dimensionalization step, the molding material is placed in a container. In the curing step, the curable compound is cured to form a cured product after the three-dimensionalization step. In the peeling step, the container and the cured product are separated after the curing step. In the dispersed phase removal step, the dispersed phase of the cured product is removed after the curing step.

Abstract: An active energy ray curable liquid contains an unsaturated acid monomer and a metal salt.

Abstract: An electrospun nanofiber membrane and a method for preparing the electrospun nanofiber membrane are provided to solve problems of poor mechanical properties, short service life, poor uniformity and consistency of orientation of fibers and poor stability of fiber networks in current electrospun composite nanofiber materials. The electrospun nanofiber membrane is prepared by spinning solution through a high-voltage electrospinning device. The spinning solution is blending solution of regenerated silk fibroin:polyvinyl alcohol:polylactic acid with a mass ratio being 75-85:10-20:5 dissolved in a mixed solvent of trifluoroacetic acid and dichloromethane with a volume ratio being 7:3. The method establishes a reasonable mass ratio parameter of the regenerated silk fibroin, the polyvinyl alcohol and the polylactic acid to blending spinning to improve spinnability of silk fibroin, as well as prepare the electrospun composite nanofiber membrane with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Mesoporous poly (aryl ether ketone) articles are formed from blends of poly (aryl ether ketones) with pore forming additives by melt processing, and can be in the form of a monofilament, disc, film, microcapillary or other complex shapes. The method of formation provides for preparation of poly (aryl ether ketone) articles with high degree of surface area and uniform nanometer pore size. The preferred poly (aryl ether ketone)s are poly (ether ketone) and poly (ether ether ketone). The mesoporous articles formed by the method of the present invention are useful for a broad range of applications, including molecular separations and organic solvent filtration.

Abstract: The invention provides an olefin-olefinic alcohol copolymer and a preparation method thereof, said copolymer comprising a spherical and/or spherical-like polymer. The copolymer provided by the invention exhibits a good morphology and has good prospects in industrial use.

Abstract: A method for producing a microporous material comprising the steps of: providing an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); providing a filler; providing a processing plasticizer; adding the filler to the UHMWPE in a mixture being in the range of from about 1:9 to about 15:1 filler to UHMWPE by weight; adding the processing plasticizer to the mixture; extruding the mixture to form a sheet from the mixture; calendering the sheet; extracting the processing plasticizer from the sheet to produce a matrix comprising UHMWPE and the filler distributed throughout the matrix; stretching the microporous material in at least one direction to a stretch ratio of at least about 1.5 to produce a stretched microporous matrix; and subsequently calendering the stretched microporous matrix to produce a microporous material which exhibits improved physical and dimensional stability properties over the stretched microporous matrix.

Abstract: Mesoporous poly (aryl ether ketone) articles are formed from blends of poly (aryl ether ketones) with pore forming additives by melt processing, and can be in the form of a monofilament, disc, film, microcapillary or other complex shapes. The method of formation provides for preparation of poly (aryl ether ketone) articles with high degree of surface area and uniform nanometer pore size. The preferred poly (aryl ether ketone)s are poly (ether ketone) and poly (ether ether ketone). The mesoporous articles formed by the method of the present invention are useful for a broad range of applications, including molecular separations and organic solvent filtration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic membrane comprising an elastomer having an elongation at break of greater than 150% measured according to DIN 53504, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer (P1) comprises a polyurethane elastomer based on the following components: 11 % to 79% by weight of a mixture of at least one diol (D1) and at least one isocyanate (I1), 21% to 89% by weight of at least one compound (C1) having at least two isocyanate-reactive groups.

Abstract: This invention provides a cell culture substrate comprising on its surface a fluorine-containing polymer that enables three-dimensional tissue culture. The cell culture substrate of the invention has a surface at least a part of which is composed of a resin composition comprising a fluorine-containing polymer having one or more fluorine atoms in a repeating unit and exhibits the oxygen gas permeability of 219 cm3 (STP)/(m2·24 h·atm) or higher. Three-dimensional tissue can be formed via cell culture with the use of the cell culture substrate of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to super absorbent polymer and a method for preparing the same. According to the super absorbent polymer and preparation method for the same of the present invention, super absorbent polymer having improved rewet property and vortex time can be provided.

Abstract: A method of collecting a nucleic acid(s) from a biological sample includes step a) mixing an aluminum oxide support with a water-soluble neutral polymer adsorbed on a surface thereof and a solution containing a nucleic acid(s), thereby adsorbing the nucleic acid(s) to the support; step b) separating the support on which the nucleic acid(s) is/are adsorbed from the solution mixed in step a); and step c) collecting the nucleic acid(s) by adding an eluent to the support on which the nucleic acid(s) is/are adsorbed and which is separated in step b).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polysaccharide aerogel comprising cotton cellulose fibres and a method of preparing the polysaccharide aerogel. The method comprises: mixing cotton cellulose fibres and a cross-linker to form a mixture; sonicating the mixture; freezing the sonicated mixture; and freeze drying the frozen mixture to form an aerogel. A further embodiment provides a polysaccharide aerogel comprising cotton cellulose fibres and paper cellulose fibres in a weight ratio of 1:1 to 1:6 and a method of preparation thereof wherein in the mixing step, the paper cellulose fibres are added to the cotton cellulose fibres to form a mixture.

Abstract: A polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of indicator particles distributed within the polymeric network structure; wherein the indicator particles are present in a range from 1 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the indicator particles and the polymer (excluding the solvent); and wherein the polymer matrix composite has a density of at least 0.05 g/cm3; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as sensors.

Abstract: In the present invention are provided a method for preparing a silica aerogel-containing blanket, and a blanket which includes a silica aerogel and is manufactured using the same, wherein the method includes a step for preparing a reaction solution by reacting a silazane-based surface modification agent with an alcohol-based compound, a step for preparing a silica gel-base material composite by adding a silica precursor, water, and a polar organic solvent to the reaction solution to prepare a silica sol, and then immersing a base material for a blanket in the prepared silica sol to gelate the silica sol, and a step for drying the silica gel-base material composite.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing macroporous beads, the process comprising: providing an aqueous carrier phase flowing through a pipe at a carrier phase flow velocity; providing an emulsion of a UV-polymerisable or thermally polymerisable continuous phase in an aqueous dispersed phase; injecting the emulsion into the carrier phase at an injection speed to create polymerisable droplets flowing in the carrier phase; forming macroporous beads by irradiating the droplets with UV light, or by heating the droplets to a temperature sufficient to decompose a thermal initiator in the continuous phase, to polymerise the droplets; and removing the macroporous beads from the carrier phase; wherein the ratio of carrier phase flow velocity/injection speed is at least 1.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising one or more absorbent layers wherein the absorbent structure exhibits a first cycle Peak Force compression between about 30 grams and about 150 grams. The absorbent structure further exhibits a fifth cycle dry recovery energy between 0.1 mJ and 2.8 mJ.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a single stratum exhibiting a Capillarity Work Potential greater than the Capillarity Work Potential trade-off Boundary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a superabsorbent polymer, the method comprising the steps of: forming a function gel polymer by cross-linked polymerization of a monomer mixture under the presence of an internal cross-linking agent, the monomer mixture including a water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomer having an acid group at least part of which is neutralized, a carbonate, a volatile organic solvent, a surfactant, and a bubble promoting agent; forming a base resin powder by drying, grinding, and classifying the function gel polymer; and forming a surface cross-linked layer by additional cross-linking of the surface of the base resin powder under the presence of a surface cross-linking agent. The method for preparing a superabsorbent polymer may provide a superabsorbent polymer which has a porous structure, thereby exhibiting an excellent absorption rate while exhibiting excellent gel strength.

Abstract: A method of making a passively impact resistant composite electrolyte and separator layer includes providing a suspension composition including electrically non-conducting particles that enable shear thickening. The particles can have a polydispersity index of no greater than 0.1, an average particle size in a range of from 50 nm to 1 um, and an absolute zeta potential of greater than ±40 mV. A particle suspension solvent is provided for suspending the particles. The suspension composition is applied to a porous separator material. A portion of the particles and suspension solvent penetrate the pores and the remainder of the particles in the suspension composition are distributed across the surface of the separator material. The suspension solvent is evaporated from the separator material to provide a shear thickening particle loaded separator. A separator assembly and a passivated battery are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reaction system for forming a viscoelastic polyurethane foam includes an isocyanate component that has at least one isocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive component that is a mixture formed by adding at least a polyol component, an additive component, and a preformed aqueous polymer dispersion. The mixture includes, based on the total weight of the mixture, from 50.0 wt % to 99.8 wt % of a polyol component including at least one polyether polyol, from 0.1 wt % to 50.0 wt % of an additive component including at least one catalyst, and from 0.1 wt % to 6.0 wt % of a preformed aqueous polymer dispersion. The preformed aqueous polymer dispersion has a solids content from 10 wt % to 80 wt %, based on the total weight of the preformed aqueous polymer dispersion, and is one of an aqueous acid polymer dispersion or an aqueous acid modified polyolefin polymer dispersion in which the polyolefin is derived from at least one C2 to C20 alpha-olefin.

Abstract: A personal hygiene article includes a chassis with a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent component between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least one portion of the personal hygiene article includes a microporous film having an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity within the opaque, microporous region. The microporous film can include a beta-nucleating agent or can have thermally induced phase separation caused by a diluent. A container includes a microporous film enclosing at least one personal hygiene article. The microporous film has an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity forming a window within the opaque, microporous region. Methods of making the personal hygiene article and container are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an aerogel sheet. The method for manufacturing an aerogel sheet includes: a step (a) of immersing a blanket in an impregnation vessel in which silica sol is stored to impregnate the silica sol; and a step (b) of injecting a gelling catalyst to a surface of the blanket in which the silica sol is impregnated to gelate the silica sol.

Abstract: A general procedure applied to a variety of sol-gel precursors and solvent systems for preparing and controlling homogeneous dispersions of very small particles within each other. Fine homogenous dispersions processed at elevated temperatures and controlled atmospheres make a ceramic powder to be consolidated into a component by standard commercial means: sinter, hot press, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), hot/cold extrusion, spark plasma sinter (SPS), etc.

Abstract: Polymer foam bodies are made from phosphorus-containing thermoplastic random copolymers of a dialkyl (meth)acryloyloxyalkyl phosph(on)ate. Foam bodies made from these copolymers exhibit increased limiting oxygen indices and surprisingly have good properties. In certain embodiments, the phosphorus-containing thermoplastic copolymer is blended with one or more other polymers and formed into nanofoams.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution, where the monomer solution comprises at least two initiators, one of the initiators is a peroxide with the exception of persulfate, and the molar ratio of peroxide to further initiator is at least 1:8, the water-absorbing polymer particles themselves, and hygiene articles comprising these water-absorbing polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: An aerogel and process of making the aerogel is provided. The aerogel is a polyimide aerogel having polyamide cross-links formed using a triacid chloride cross-linker.

Abstract: The invention provides fabricated tough hydrogels, hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the tough hydrogels, or the hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making crosslinked tough hydrogels, and crosslinked tough hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A process for preparing particles having a hydrophobic material therein is disclosed. The process comprises providing a multiple emulsion comprising a first emulsion dispersed in a hydrophobic medium, said first emulsion comprising a hydrophobic phase dispersed in a hydrophilic phase, wherein the hydrophobic phase comprises the hydrophobic material and the hydrophilic phase comprises a precursor which is capable of reacting to form a non-fluid matrix and reacting the precursor in the multiple emulsion to form the matrix in the form of the particles having the hydrophobic material therein wherein the precursor is added prior to formation of the multiple emulsion. Also disclosed are particles having a hydrophobic material therein, which may be releasable, as well as particles having a hydrophobic material therein, which may be releasable, made by the process and methods of using the particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a low K dielectric film with one or more features is disclosed herein. A method of forming a dielectric layer can include positioning a substrate in a processing chamber, delivering a deposition gas to the processing chamber, depositing a dense organosilicon layer using the deposition gas on the surface of the substrate, the dense organosilicon layer comprising a porogenic carbon, transferring a pattern into the dense organosilicon layer, forming a pore-forming plasma from a reactant gas, exposing the dense organosilicon layer to the pore-forming plasma to create a porous organosilicon layer, wherein the pore-forming plasma removes at least a portion of the porogenic carbon and exposing the porous organosilicon layer to a desiccating post treatment.

Abstract: There are provided a resin composition and an optical film using the same. The resin composition includes a copolymer (A) formed by polymerizing a (meth)acryloyl morpholine-based monomer (a), a maleimide-based monomer (b), and an alkyl(meth)acrylate-based monomer (c), and the optical film is manufactured using the same. The resin composition may provide a film having excellent optical properties and optical transparency, reduced haze, excellent mechanical strength, a relatively low level of thermal expansion coefficient leading to a relatively small change in a dimension, and a relatively low level of alteration in a retardation value due to external stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polymers and to an apparatus for performing this process. The apparatus comprises devices and reactors that are combined in the sequence of first a mixing device, second a flow microwave and optionally third one or more additional reactors.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of polymer encapsulated particulate material, the method comprising: providing a dispersion of the particulate material in a continuous aqueous phase, the dispersion comprising RAFT agent as a stabiliser for the particulate material; and polymerising ethylenically unsaturated monomer under the control of the RAFT agent to form polymer at the surface of the dispersed particulate material, thereby providing the aqueous dispersion of polymer encapsulated particulate material; wherein polymerisation of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprises: (a) polymerising a monomer composition that includes ionisable ethylenically unsaturated monomer so as to form a base responsive water swellable RAFT polymer layer that encapsulates the particulate material; and (b) polymerising a monomer composition that includes non-ionisable ethylenically unsaturated monomer so as to form an extensible, water and base permeable RAFT polymer layer that encapsulate

Abstract: A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery including a tungsten-doped vanadium oxide (VO2) phase transition material and the rechargeable lithium battery including the separator. Here, an explosion possibility of the rechargeable lithium battery including the separator may be prevented and delayed when the battery is excessively heated.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous resin particles made of a polymer of a monomer mixture, wherein the monomer mixture contains, as monomers, at least methyl methacrylate and a (meth)acrylic-based cross-linkable monomer, a content of the methyl methacrylate in the monomer mixture is 1 to 50% by weight, a content of the (meth)acrylic-based cross-linkable monomer in the monomer mixture is 50 to 99% by weight, the porous resin particles have a specific surface area of 130 to 180 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.3 to 0.7 ml/g, and an average pore size of 13 to 16 nm, an amount of unreacted methyl methacrylate remaining in the porous resin particles is 20 ppm or less, and the porous resin particles have a thermal decomposition starting temperature of 260° C. or more.

Abstract: The invention concerns a particle having a code from a library of codes embedded in its physical structure by refractive index changes between different regions of the particle. In preferred embodiments, a thin film possesses porosity that varies in a manner to produce a code detectable in the reflectivity spectrum. An assay detection method uses such a particle and detects a spectral shift in the presence of an analyte. Additional embodiments are disclosed including additional features.

Abstract: A method of creating a thermochromic artificial blood vessel includes physically cross-linking a polyvinyl alcohol solution in a mold shaped to mimic a blood vessel to create an artificial blood vessel. The artificial tissue is then chemically cross-linked with a solution including a chemical cross-linking reagent. A coagulation solution is then applied to the artificial blood vessel to both inhibit the chemical cross-linking and promote physical cross-linking of the artificial blood vessel. The artificial blood vessel can be used to test an ablation catheter. The vessel, when heated by the ablation catheter, changes color and/or transparency at locations where the temperature of artificial blood vessel increases.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore fluid, the method including introducing a hydratable polymer and introducing a crosslinker comprised of at least a silica material, the crosslinker having a dimension of from about 5 nm to about 100 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions-of-matter composed of a continuous elastomeric matrix and a liquid; the matrix entrapping the liquid therein in the form of closed-cell droplets dispersed throughout the matrix. The disclosed compositions-of-matter are characterized by a low tensile/compressive modulus and are capable of retaining the liquid for exceedingly long periods of time. Further disclosed are processes for forming the compositions-of-matter and uses thereof.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention describes a pointing device comprising a cabinet divided in two housings screwed together. Below the upper housing, a flexible, hard-use film contains all button symbols printed thereon and aligned with the housing upper side holes and tact switch actuators. A high-relief surface defines the visible surface of depressed buttons surrounded by restraining circular walls which arise from said high-relief surface. All buttons are placed in a bas-relief surface to avoid undesired or unintended pressings. Moreover, the fact that they are in a depressed surface help people with limb movement disorders to avoid the involuntary movement of their fingers beyond the limits of the depressed buttons, which act as restraining areas, thus avoiding to click, press or hold an undesired button.

Abstract: A method for making polyethylene aerogels, including high molecular weight aerogels, commences by in a hydrocarbon solvent (e.g., toluene or benzene) in which polyethylene is insoluble at room temperature, adding polyethylene to the solvent heated to a temperature at which said polyethylene is soluble to form a reaction mixture. A free-radical catalyst is added to the reaction mixture and the reaction mixture is held until the desired gelation of the polyethylene has been achieved. The reaction mixture is cooled to about room temperature; and the hydrocarbon solvent is replaced with a gas (e.g., CO2 or air) to form the polyethylene aerogel. Optionally, the cooled reaction mixture can be contacted with an anti-solvent for polyethylene to replace the hydrocarbon solvent with the anti-solvent. Silica aerogel particles can be encapsulated in polyethylene aerogel by adding the particles to the polyethylene gelation reaction mixture.