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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a series of new and improved porous polyamide aerogels derived from multifunctional aromatics that combine the high mechanical strength of aramids with the pore structure of aerogels. The polyamide aerogels have a hyperbranched structure, relatively low density, high porosity and may be derived from functionalized monomers having more aromatic groups than functional groups. The present disclosure also provides a new method for producing the porous polyamide aerogels by polymerizing an aromatic multifunctional carboxylic acid or a ferrocene multifunctional carboxylic acid with a polyfunctional aromatic isocyanate at moderate reaction conditions followed by drying with liquid CO2. Also disclosed are various methods of use of these polyamide aerogels in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A porous polymer separator for use in a lithium ion battery is formed by a temperature-induced phase separation method. The porous polymer separator includes a polymer matrix having opposed major faces and a network of pore openings that extends between the major faces and permits intrusion of a lithium-ion conducting electrolyte solution. As part of the temperature-induced phase separation method, a single phase polymer solution that includes a polymer material dissolved in a miscible mixture of a real polymer solvent and a polymer non-solvent is prepared at an elevated temperature above room temperature. A film is then formed from the single phase polymer solution and cooled to phase-separate the polymer material into a solid polymer precipitate. Additional polymer non-solvent is then used to remove the real polymer solvent from the solid polymer precipitate followed by drying.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomer synthesized by a reacting epoxidized vegetable oil with carboxylic acid to form the elastomer compound. More specifically, disclosed herein is an elastomer compound having a polyester component. The method for making the elastomer comprises mixing a polybasic acid with an alcohol solvent to form a solution, reacting said solution having carboxylic groups with epoxidized vegetable oil, and heating the solution at a range of approximately 50° C. to 80° C., wherein an amorphous polyester elastomer is formed. Also disclosed is an elastomer foam product formed by a reacting epoxidized vegetable oil with carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are hybrid silica aerogels containing non-polymeric, functional organic materials covalently bonded at one or both ends to the silica network of the aerogels through a C—Si bond between a carbon atom of the organic material and a silicon atom of the aerogel network. Methods of their preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vinyl chloride-based copolymer porous body contains a vinyl chloride-based copolymer as the main component. The vinyl chloride-based copolymer porous body has continuous pores having a pore size of 0.1 to 40 ?m, the pores have a skeletal diameter of 0.1 to 20 ?m, and the vinyl chloride-based copolymer has a thickness of 1 mm or more. Such a vinyl chloride-based copolymer porous body can be produced by a production method including the steps of: heating and dissolving the vinyl chloride-based copolymer in a solvent to obtain a vinyl chloride-based copolymer solution; cooling the vinyl chloride-based copolymer solution to obtain a precipitated product; and separating and drying the product to obtain a porous body containing the vinyl chloride-based copolymer as the main component.

Abstract: Microporous polyolefin and microporous polydicyclopentadiene (polyDCPD) based aerogels and methods for preparing and using the same are provided. The aerogels are produced by forming a polymer gel structure within a solvent from a olefin or dicyclopentadiene monomer 5 via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) reactions, followed by supercritical drying to remove the solvent from the aerogel. Other aerogels are prepared by sequentially (1) mixing at least one dicyclopentadiene monomer, at least one solvent at least one catalyst and at least one inorganic and/or organic reinforcing material, (2) gelling the mixture, (3) aging, and (4) supercritical drying. Aerogels provided herein are inexpensive to prepare, possess desirable 10 thermal, mechanical, acoustic, chemical, and physical properties and are hydrophobic.

Abstract: A porosity is freely controlled in preparation of a porous polymer film by a phase separation method. A solvent absorption sheet is used for a solvent in a polymer solution so that the coating film of the polymer solution may be covered with the sheet. After that, the solvent in the film is selectively removed. Then, the resultant is immersed in a poor solvent. Thus, a porous polymer film can be produced.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to activated carbon materials and methods for making the same. The disclosed methods comprise rapidly freezing synthetically prepared polymer gel particles. The methods further comprise drying, pyrolyzing, and activating steps to obtain an activated carbon material of high porosity. The disclosed methods represent viable manufacturing processes for the preparation of activated carbon materials.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are hybrid silica aerogels containing non-polymeric, functional organic materials covalently bonded at one or both ends to the silica network of the aerogels through a C—Si bond between a carbon atom of the organic material and a silicon atom of the aerogel network. Methods of their preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is presented for forming a collapsed foam film-like structure, the method including positioning a composition applicator adjacent to a hot non-permeable dryer surface, producing a first frothed dispersion or frothed solution from a first dispersion or solution, applying the first frothed dispersion or frothed solution to the dryer surface, allowing the first frothed dispersion or frothed solution to convert to a collapsed foam film-like structure, and scraping the collapsed foam film-like structure from the dryer surface. The method can further include producing a second dispersion or solution, blending the first dispersion or solution and the second dispersion or solution, frothing the blended dispersion or solution, applying the blended frothed dispersion or frothed solution to the dryer surface, and allowing the frothed dispersion or frothed solution to convert to a collapsed foam film-like structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing an aerogel, the method comprising reacting at least one acid monomer with at least one diamino monomer in a first solvent under conditions appropriate to form a polyimide polymer; conducting a solvent exchange wherein the first solvent is exchanged for a second solvent, said second solvent having a freezing point, wherein said solvent exchange further comprises (1) submersing the polyimide polymer in the second solvent in a pressure vessel and (2) creating a high pressure environment inside the pressure vessel for a first period of time; cooling the polyimide polymer to a first temperature below the freezing point of the second solvent; and subjecting cooled polyimide polymer to a first vacuum for a second period of time at a second temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel, comprising dipping monolithic wet silica gel obtained by using an alkoxide precursor into an alkylsilane solution as a dipping solution to perform hydrophobitization of the surface and inner part of the monolithic wet silica gel by a dipping process. The method is economical by virtue of the use of a small amount of alkylsilane compound and imparts hydrophobic property to monolithic silica aerogel simply in a cost efficient and time efficient manner. In addition, the method reduces shrinkage of hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel, enables production of hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel in a translucent form, and allows the hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel to maintain low heat conductivity similar to the heat conductivity of hydrophilic silica aerogel. The hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel may be used directly as a heat insulating panel by virtue of excellent hydrophobic property and heat insulating property.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-absorbing polymer comprises: (i) mixing (?1) 0.1-99.99% by weight of ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing acid groups or salts thereof, or ethylenically unsaturated monomers including a protonated or quaternized nitrogen, or mixtures thereof, (?2) 0-70% by weight of ethylenically unsaturated monomers copolymerizable with (?1), (?3) 0.001-10% by weight of one or more crosslinkers, (?4) 0-30% by weight of water-soluble polymers, and (?5) 0-20% by weight of one or more assistants, where the sum of the weights (?1) to (?5) is 100%; (ii) free-radical polymerization with crosslinking to form an untreated hydrogel polymer; (iii) coarse comminution of the untreated hydrogel polymer to give pieces having a diameter from 0.1 mm to 5.0 cm; (iv) cooling and grinding the untreated hydrogel polymer; (v) drying the untreated hydrogel polymer after grinding at a temperature from 85° C. to 260° C.; (vi) postcrosslinking the hydrogel polymer and (vii) drying the water-absorbing polymer.

Abstract: Reinforced, laminated, impregnated, and materials with composite properties as cross linked polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel structures in bulk or cellular matrix forms that can take essentially any physical shape, or can have essentially any size, degree of porosity and surface texture. They have a wide range of physical properties, unusual and unique combinations of physical properties and unique responses to stress fields, which allows for their use in many end use applications.

Abstract: Low density, buoyant materials, in particular hydrophobic aerogels, may be used to absorb hydrophobic liquids. The materials are adapted to float on aqueous solutions and can absorb oils or other hydrophobic liquids from the surface of the solution without absorbing appreciable amounts of the aqueous solution. Methods for creating and using the materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous polymer structure involves (i) forming a polymer; (ii) subsequently contacting the polymer with a nonsolvent and inducing the formation of an emulsion in which the nonsolvent is present as the dispersed phase and the polymer as the continuous phase; and (iii) removing at least some of the nonsolvent so as to leave pores within the polymer, wherein the polymer is formed by exciting one or more molecules in an exciting medium, in particular by pulsed plasma deposition. Emulsion formation in step (ii) may be induced by or in the presence of an emulsion stabilising agent. Also provided is a porous polymer structure produced using the method, and a polymer which is impregnated with an emulsion stabilising agent, for use in the emulsion formation step of the method.

Abstract: A porous polyurea material may be prepared by polymerization and crosslinking of tetra(4-aminophenyl)methane or tetra(4-aminophenyl)silane with a monomer having two to four isocyanate (—NCO) groups, or by polymerization and crosslinking of tetra(4-isocyanatophenyl)methane or tetra(4-isocyanatophenyl)silane with a monomer having two to four amino groups. The method includes: mixing an organic solution of tetra(4-aminophenyl)methane with an organic solution of a monomer having two to four isocyanate groups; reacting the mixed solution under a nitrogen atmosphere; and drying a semi-solid or solid material formed by gelation of the reaction solution, or adding the reaction solution to a non-solvent before gelation of the reaction solution to form a precipitate, followed by drying, or applying the reaction solution to a substrate before gelation of the reaction solution, followed by drying.

Abstract: Use in hygiene articles of articles formed of water-absorbent, predominantly open-celled crosslinked acid-functional addition polymer foams Abstract The use of articles formed of water-absorbent open-celled crosslinked acid-functional addition polymer foams and containing finely divided silicon dioxide and/or at least one surfactant on their surface as an acquisition and/or distribution layer in hygiene articles.

Abstract: A spray latex foam for filling wall cavities to enhance the sealing and insulating properties of a building is provided. The spray latex foam includes a latex system and a gaseous coagulating component. In at least one exemplary embodiment, carbon dioxide is included as a gaseous coagulating agent. One latex suitable for use in the spray foam is polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), which possesses fire retardancy and environmental durability. However, a preferred latex is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The latex system may also include a thixotropic agent, such as Laponite® RD synthetic clay. The spray latex foam is polyurethane-free. A method of preparing a spray latex foam that includes supplying a latex system and adding a gaseous coagulating component to the latex system is also provided.

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: Provided is a microporous material, e.g., a microporous sheet material, having a matrix of polyolefin, finely-divided, substantially water insoluble particulate filler, a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material, and at least one retrospectively identifiable taggant material embedded within the matrix, optionally the at least one taggant being unique to an end user for the microporous material, wherein the polyolefin is present in the microporous material in an amount of 20 to 35 weight percent, based on the weight of the microporous material. The taggant material provides a marker, signature or code that is capable of retrospective identification by machine, instrument or by the naked eye. Articles including the microporous material and processes for preparing the microporous material also are provided.

Abstract: Highly porous, lightweight, and sustainable hybrid organic aerogels with ultra-low densities and excellent material properties and methods for preparing them are provided, including, e.g., PVA/CNF/GONS, RF/CNF/GONS, and PVA/CNF/MWCNT. The aerogels are modified to have a super-hydrophobic surface, thus leading to an extremely low swelling ratio and rate of moisture absorption.

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: An amalgam comprising a highly porous, carbon-enveloped structure, such as aerogel. The carbon dispersion within the aerogel substrate consists of sonicated (using ultrasonic cleanser) carbon nanotubes, which can be inserted into the aerogel/xerogel through various techniques. Procedures include mixture of nanotubes to any aerogel/xerogel preparation solution prior and/or during solgel/alcogel stage; addition of nanotubes to aerogel during any solvent exchange with liquids (ethanol, etc.) or gas (carbon dioxide, etc.) as a solgel/alcogel; permeation of vapor containing nanotubes (by way of carbon burning using the Kratschmer-Huffman, or any other related, similar machine) in aerogel/solgel/alcogel/xerogel pore structure and/or preparation solutions; intravenous introduction of nanotubes, manually or by way of any conveyance device (i.e. syringe) to finished aerogels/xerogels or solgels/alcogels.

Abstract: Crosslinked organic polymeric porous particles have a crosslinked organic solid phase and discrete pores dispersed within the crosslinked solid phase which pores are isolated from each other. These porous particles are prepared using one or more water-in-oil emulsions containing a polyfunctional reactive compound, a reagent that causes crosslinking, optionally an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomer, and optionally an organic solvent, and can include various marker materials.

Abstract: An aerogel-foam composite includes an open cell foam and an aerogel matrix polymer disposed in the open cell foam. The aerogel-foam composite has compression strength of about 15 megaPascals (MPa) or more. The open cell foam may be a polyurethane foam including a carbonate group (—OC(O)O—).

Abstract: Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous material having improved compressive strength, includes forming an aerogel precursor that includes a polymer having a functional group capable of undergoing a crosslinking reaction dispersed in a dispersion medium. The precursor also includes a crosslinking agent. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified, and freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material. The crosslinking agent is reacted with the functional group to effect crosslinking, thus improving the compressive strength of the porous material.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a fiber or foil comprising at least one optionally functionalized polymer with a high Tg selected from the group consisting of poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES), poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) and aromatic polyimide, comprising the steps of (aa) providing a solution comprising at least 45 wt. % of the polymer, and at least 20 wt. %, of at least one halogen-free organic solvent (S1) for the polymer, both wt % based upon the weight of the solution; (bb) pushing the solution through a nozzle; and (cc) introducing the solution into a coagulation bath comprising: (cc1) at least one liquid (L1) in which the polymer is insoluble, and optionally (cc2) at least one organic solvent (S2) for the polymer, identical to or different from the organic solvent (S1), to form a fiber or foil. A fiber or foil obtained by this process as well as to fibers or foils with specific porosity features and/or mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preparing a separator for an electrochemical device, a method preparing a separator for an electrochemical device, and an electrochemical device having a separator prepared therefrom, more particularly, a composition for preparing a separator for an electrochemical device, comprising a polyolefin, a first diluent, and a second diluent, wherein an interaction energy between the first diluent and the second diluent is in the range of 2 to 3.5 cal/cm3, a method preparing a separator for an electrochemical device using the composition, and an electrochemical device having a separator prepared therefrom. In accordance with the present invention, the pore size of a polyolefin separator can be suitably controlled into a size desired by a user, and the high-temperature stability and mechanical property of the separator can be remarkably improved, thereby enhancing the life time and stability of an electrochemical device having the same.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous composite material in which substantially all of the pores within the composite material are small having a diameter of about 5 nm or less and with a narrow PSD is provided. The porous composite material includes a first solid phase having a first characteristic dimension and a second phase comprised of pores having a second characteristic dimension, wherein the characteristic dimensions of at least one of said phases is controlled to a value of about 5 nm or less.