Abstract: Method and devices for rapidly fabricating monolithic aerogels, including aerogels containing chemical sensing agents, are disclosed. The method involves providing a gel precursor solution or a pre-formed gel in a sealed vessel with the gel or gel precursor at least partially filling the internal volume of the vessel and the sealed vessel being positioned between opposed plates of a hot press; heating and applying a restraining force to the sealed vessel via the hot press plates (where the restraining force is sufficient to minimize substantial venting of the vessel); and then controllably releasing the applied restraining force under conditions effective to form the aerogel. A preferred device for practicing the method is in the form of a hot press having upper and lower press plates, and a mold positioned between the upper and lower plates. Doped aerogel monoliths and their use as chemical sensors are also described.

Abstract: A porous polymeric matrix containing at least one natural polymer and at least one synthetic polymer and optionally at least one cation. Furthermore, a method of making a porous polymeric matrix involving mixing at least one natural polymer and inorganic salts with a solution comprising at least one solvent and at least one synthetic polymer to form a slurry, casting the slurry in a mold and removing the solvent to form solid matrices, immersing the solid matrices in deionized water to allow natural polymer cross-linking and pore creation to occur simultaneously, and drying the matrices to create a porous polymeric matrix; wherein the matrix contains a cation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a porous resin particle having a functional group X, the method including: dissolving a radical polymerizable aromatic monovinyl monomer and a radical polymerizable aromatic divinyl monomer together with a polymerization initiator in an organic solvent to prepare a monomer solution, dispersing the monomer solution in water in the presence of a dispersion stabilizer to obtain a suspension polymerization reaction mixture, and performing a suspension copolymerization while adding, when 0 to 80% of the entire polymerization time of the suspension copolymerization is passed, a mercapto compound represented by the formula (I): HS—R—X??(I) in which R represents an alkylene group having a carbon number of 2 to 12, and the functional group X represents a functional group selected from a hydroxy group and a primary amino group, to the suspension polymerization reaction mixture; and the porous resin particle obtained by the method.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: A polyolefin microporous film comprising polyethylene and polypropylene having a viscosity average molecular weight of 100,000 or higher, the polypropylene being contained in an amount of 4 wt % or more and the terminal vinyl group concentration per 10,000 carbon atoms in the polyolefin constituting the microporous film being 2 or more as measured by infrared spectroscopy. The microporous film has both of a good film breaking resistance and a low thermal shrinkage, is excellent in fuse property, and has a uniform film thickness. Particularly, the microporous film can retain safety in the oven safety test at 150° C. for a battery which is required for use as a lithium ion battery separator.

Abstract: A porous polymer blend, and a method of producing a porous polymer blend from at least two immiscible polymers. The at least two immiscible polymer being blended together and exhibiting the absence of complete phase separation. The method of producing a porous polymer blend comprising: forming a liquid composition comprising at least two immiscible polymers dissolved in a common solvent; subjecting the liquid composition to a reduction in temperature to cause at least two immiscible polymers to phase separate into a common polymer rich phase and a common polymer poor phase; solidifying the at least two immiscible polymers in the common polymer rich phase so as to avoid complete phase separation of the at least two immiscible polymers; and removing the common polymer pore phase to provide a blend of the at least two immiscible polymers having a porous morphology.

Abstract: Methods of forming hybrid aerogels are described. The methods include forming a hybrid aerogel from a metal oxide precursor and a branched telechelic copolymer, e.g., co-hydrolyzing and co-condensing the metal oxide precursor and the branched telechelic copolymer. Aerogels and aerogel articles, including hydrophobic aerogels and hydrophobic aerogel articles are also described.

Abstract: Porous bodies which are soluble or dispersible in non-aqueous media comprising a three dimensional open-cell lattice containing (a) 10 to 70% by weight of a polymeric material which is soluble in water immiscible non-aqueous media and (b) 30 to 90% by weight of a surfactant, said porous bodies having an intrusion volume as measured by mercury porosimetry of at least 3 ml/g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing hollow particles comprising polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer to form a particulate resin exhibiting a number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 500,000, dispersing the particulate resin in an aqueous medium to form a resin particle dispersion and adding thereto a hydrophobic cross-linkable monomer in an amount of from 0.1 to 50 parts by mass based on 1 part by mass of the particulate resin to polymerize the cross-linkable monomer to form hollow particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microporous high density polyethylene film for a battery separator and a method of producing the same. The microporous high density polyethylene film includes high density polyethylene with a weight average molecular weight of 2×105-5×105, containing 5 wt % or less molecule with a molecular weight of 1×104 or less. The microporous high density polyethylene film has tensile strengths of 1,100 kg/cm2 or more in transverse and machine directions respectively, a puncture strength of 0.22 N/?m or more, a gas permeability (Darcy's permeability constant) of 1.3×10?5 Darcy or more, and shrinkages of 5% or less in machine and transverse directions, respectively. Particularly, the microporous high density polyethylene film has an excellent extrusion-compoundabiliy and stretchability and a high productivity, and can improve the performances and stability of a battery produced using the same.

Abstract: The invention presents a new method to prepare biomedical polyurethanes with high tensile and tear strengths. Such polyurethanes are especially interesting for making foams thereof, e.g. as meniscus implants. A new method, applicable to the biomedical polyurethanes, has been found to make such foams, that can be used as scaffolds. This method is based on salt leaching and phase separation.

Abstract: A microporous layer comprising a microporous xerogel comprising pores that are substantially continuously interconnected from a first outermost surface of the microporous xerogel through to a second outermost surface of the microporous xerogel; and a crosslinked polymer binder comprising a polymer having a glass transition temperature of about 50° C. or higher, wherein the polymer binder is water soluble prior to crosslinking.

Abstract: A nanoporous material is provided. The pores of the nanoporous material are formed between nanoparticles that have a polymeric surface layer. The nanoporous material is produced by (a) suspending the nanoparticles in a medium material, wherein the nanoparticles are phase separated from the medium material, (b) heating the suspension to a temperature above the melting point of the nanoparticle surface layer, and (c) cooling the suspension. Alternatively, the nanoporous material may be produced by dissolving nanoparticles having a polymeric surface layer in a solvent, and then adding a medium material that causes the nanoparticles to phase separate from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film which can be used for various battery separators, separating filters and membranes for microfiltration. The process for manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film according to the invention comprises mixing/extrusion through efficient and separate injection of 15-55% by weight of polyolefin (Component I), and 85-45% by weight of a diluent (Component II) which forms thermodynamic single phase with the polyolefin and a diluent (Component III) which can undergo thermodynamic liquid-liquid phase separation with the polyolefin, into an extruder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing porous materials, which comprises the following steps: preparation of a solution of at least one structuring agent, having at least two structuring parts linked by at least one type of reversible non-covalent interaction; formation of the structured or porous material; separation of the at least two parts of the structuring agent at low temperature; and recovery of at least 50% by weight of the two non-degraded structuring parts and the porous material.

Abstract: A fluid permeable material is disclosed. The fluid permeable material is suitable for use as a paver, brick, tile, stormwater entry grate and the like, without being limited thereto. The fluid permeable material described in this invention is light weight and has a height characteristic breaking strength, and flexural strength. The fluid permeable material described allows fluid to flow freely through the structure without impacting on the structural integrity of the composite material, and filters particulate contaminants from the fluid as it passes through the structure.

Abstract: A method of making mesoporous carbon beads comprises steps of providing a nucleophilic component such as phenolic compound or phenol condensation prepolymer, dissolving the nucleophilic component in a pore former, together with at least one electrophilic cross-linking agent such as formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, furfural and hexamethylene tetramine, dispersing the resulting solution into a mineral oil to form beads, condensing both the component and the agent in the presence of the pore former to form beads of porous resin, removing the beads from the mineral oil and carbonizing the beads to form mesoporous carbon beads.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a porous material (resin composition) having high heat insulation properties, mechanical properties, and electrical properties by controlling function of a porous film by setting a porosity size, distribution of the porosity size, and a porosity ratio of the porous film in predetermined ranges. The resin composition according to the present invention is comprised of an engineering plastic having porous structure in which not less than 80% of a total porosity is comprised of independent porosities, a mean porosity size is not less than 0.01 ?m and not more than 0.9 ?m, and not less than 80% of the total porosity has a porosity size within ±30% of the mean porosity size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous electrolyte solution absorber including an aqueous electrolyte solution absorbent polymer obtained by introducing a hydrophilic polar group to a water insoluble polymer and a material to be sucked. The aqueous electrolyte solution absorber is produced by filling a water permeable bag type member with the aqueous electrolyte solution absorbent polymer obtained by introducing the hydrophilic polar group to the water insoluble polymer and a material to be sucked. The aqueous electrolyte solution absorber is inexpensive and has a high safety, a broad applicable range and a good handling property upon transportation or storage. Thus, a large amount of aqueous electrolyte solution absorbers can be rapidly conveyed at one time even to a risky place where persons are endangered to convey the absorbers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing diluent from a polymer extrudate, especially in connection with a process for producing a microporous membrane. The method involves contacting the extrudate with a second solvent in a first stage; contacting the extrudate from the first stage with a third solvent in a second stage; conducting a first stream away from the first stage and/or conducting a second stream away from the second stage; and cooling at least a portion of the first and/or second stream and separating therefrom at least one of a first phase rich in the second solvent or a second phase rich in the third solvent.

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

Abstract: 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 novel method of manufacturing thick foams, especially molded thick foams useful as tissue scaffolds and other medical devices. Also disclosed are novel thick foams made using the process of the present invention, wherein such thick foams may be used as medical devices or components of medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulosic particle body comprising interconnected cellulosic small particles with small interparticle spaces and to a method of producing said cellulosic particle body which comprises dispersing cellulosic small particles in an alkaline medium and contacting the resulting suspension with a coagulating solution. In this specification, the above technology will be referred to as the first invention.

Abstract: Porous spherical particles of polyamide 11 or polyamide 12 can be produced by an industrially advantageous process which comprises the steps of mixing a polyamide solution of polyamide 11 or polyamide 12 dissolved in a phenol compound and a low molecular weight aliphatic alcohol which is a poor solvent for the polyamides but is well compatible with the phenol compound in the presence of a high molecular weight alkylene glycol to prepare a mixture solution having an initial viscosity of 10 mPa·s or more, and allowing the mixture solution to stand, to precipitate polyamide particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of monolithic xerogels and aerogels of silica/latex hybrids under subcritical conditions. In the two-stage synthesis of these alcogels in the presence of an acid-base catalyst, the hydrolysis and polycondensation of a silicon alkoxide are carried out in an organic medium containing excess water. A latex consisting of polybutyl methacrylate and polybutyl acrylate, modified with alkoxysilane groups, is first synthesized and then incorporated in the mixture either in the first stage in order to effect its co-hydrolysis with the silicon alkoxide, or in the second stage to effect its co-condensation with the previously hydrolysed colloidal silica. The resulting alcogels are aged, washed, and dried under subcritical conditions. This process gives hybrid products containing 0.1-50 wt-% of latex and having a density of 300-1300 kg/m3, a porosity of 40-85%, a specific surface area of 400-900 m2/g and a mean pore diameter of 2-12 nm.

Abstract: A porous film which has a crosslinked structure and, due to this structure, has excellent resistance to film breakage at high temperatures and excellent transverse-direction shape retention even at high temperatures, uses of the film are provided. The porous film comprises a crosslinked material of a resin composition containing a polyolefin. The film has a peak of shrinkage force in a transverse direction (TD) at a temperature region of the shutdown temperature or higher of the film, and the shrinkage force as measured at the peak being 80 N/cm2 or lower.

Abstract: The invention provides reinforced aerogel monoliths as well as fiber reinforced composites thereof for a variety of uses. Compositions and methods of preparing the monoliths and composites are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked polyolefin aerogels in simple and fiber-reinforced composite form. Of particular interest are polybutadiene aerogels. Especially aerogels derived from polybutadienes functionalized with anhydrides, amines, hydroxyls, thiols, epoxies, isocyanates or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a porous elastomer, the method comprising the steps of: providing a predetermined amount of a liquid elastomer and a predetermined amount of a porogen; mixing the liquid elastomer and the porogen in vacuum until a homogenous emulsion without phase separation is formed; curing the homogenous emulsion until polymerizations of the emulsion is reached, thereby forming a cured emulsion; and removing the porogen from the cured emulsion. The method can advantageously be used for forming biocompatible porous elastomers and biocompatible porous membranes.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: A bone cement is shown that includes a monomer, and a non-reactive substance that is fully miscible with the monomer. A resulting cured bone cement exhibits desirable properties such as modification in a stiffness of the material. Modified properties such a stiffness can be tailored to match bone properties and reduce an occurrence of fractures adjacent to a region repaired with bone cement. One example includes adjacent vertebral body fractures in vertebroplasty procedures.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film which can be used for various battery separators, separating filters and membranes for microfiltration. The process for manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film according to the invention comprises mixing/extrusion through efficient and separate injection of 15-55% by weight of polyolefin (Component I), and 85-45% by weight of a diluent (Component II) which forms thermodynamic single phase with the polyolefin and a diluent (Component III) which can undergo thermodynamic liquid-liquid phase separation with the polyolefin, into an extruder.

Abstract: A method for preparing permanently hydrophobic aerogel and permanently hydrophobic aerogel prepared by the method. The method comprises adding sodium silicate to HCl at 30 to 90° C. until an acidity reaches pH 3-5, to form silica hydrogel under acidic conditions of pH 3-5, washing the silica hydrogel with distilled water using a mixer, followed by filtering, adding the silica hydrogel to a silylating solution of silylating agent in n-butanol at pH 1-5 using an acid selected from hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and nitric acid, to simultaneously conduct silylation and solvent replacement, and drying the silica hydrogel; The method has the following advantages; i) silylation and solvent replacement can be simultaneously conducted, ii) n-butanol is used as a reaction solvent instead of methanol upon silylation, thus obtaining a thermal conductivity comparable to conventional aerogel powders, iii) silylation is conducted under improved conditions, i.e.

Abstract: Disclosed are dried porous crumbs of a hydrogenated block copolymer which is obtained by hydrogenating a block copolymer comprising (a) at least one polymer block composed mainly of aromatic vinyl monomer units and (b) at least one polymer block composed mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, and which has a molecular weight of 70,000 or more. The dried porous crumbs have a water content of 1% by weight or less and having the capability of absorbing an oil in an amount of 1.0 or more, in terms of the ratio of the weight of an oil, which is absorbed by the dried porous crumbs when the dried porous crumbs are immersed in the oil at 25° C. under atmospheric pressure for 1 minute, to the weight of the dried porous crumbs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the same.

Abstract: Water dispersible or water soluble porous bodies comprising a three dimensional open-cell lattice containing 10 to 95% by weight of a polymeric material which is soluble in water, and, less than 5% by weight of a surfactant, said porous bodies having an intrusion volume as measured by mercury porosimetry (as hereinafter described) of at least about 3 ml/g, and, with the proviso that said porous bodies are not spherical beads having an average bead diameter of 0.2 to 5 mm.

Abstract: A method for producing an alkylsiloxane aerogel of the invention includes (a) a step of letting a reaction to produce a sol and a reaction to convert the sol to a gel take place in one step by adding a silicon compound whose molecules have a hydrolysable functional group and a nonhydrolysable functional group to an acidic aqueous solution containing a surfactant, and (b) a step of drying the gel produced in the step (a). In the step (b), the gel is dried at a temperature and a pressure below the critical point of a solvent used to dry the gel.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: A foaming composition is provided, which includes water, pulp, alginic ester, and a surfactant. A preferable example of the alginic ester is propylene glycol alginate. The alginic ester may be mixed therein at a mixing amount ranging from 5 parts by weight to 15 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the pulp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer films and a polymer membrane having an improved mechanical property profile produced therefrom, to a process for producing them and to their use. The polymer films, polymer membranes and separation membranes of the invention are produced from selected polymer raw materials and have excellent chemical, thermal. and mechanical properties as are required for use as polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) in PEM fuel cells or in apparatuses for the filtration and/or separation of gases and/or liquids or for reverse osmosis.

Abstract: The invention provides reinforced aerogel monoliths as well as reinforced composites thereof for a variety of uses. Compositions and methods of preparing the monoliths and composites are also provided. Application of these materials in transparent assemblies is also discuss.

Abstract: A method of producing an open, porous structure having an outer surface defining a shape having a bulk volume and having interconnecting openings extending throughout said volume and opening through said surface, and products resulting from the method. The method comprises preparing a viscous mixture comprising a sinterable powder dispersed in a sol of a polymer in a primary solvent, replacing the primary solvent with a secondary liquid in which the polymer is insoluble to produce a gel comprising an open polymeric network having the sinterable powder arranged therein, removing the secondary liquid from the gel; removing the polymer network, and sintering the sinterable powder to form the open, porous structure. Also disclosed are shaped, porous products resulting from methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the drying of foams by means of microwave radiation, and in particular, where the foams are obtained from aqueous polyurethane dispersions (PU dispersions).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making a micro-container. The method comprises the step of evaporating a swelling agent solution absorbed in a polymer micro-particle to form an inner void therein. The evaporating step is undertaken under conditions to form a conduit extending through the shell wall of said micro-particle and into the inner void.

Abstract: A process and polymer foam composition for removing hydrocarbon material from wanted material containing water by bringing an isocyanate-containing prepolymer and a gaseous expansion agent, with or without a diluent and/or cell control agent, into contact with the materials, allowing the composition to react with the water to form a flexible foam and removing the polymer foam obtained from the wanted material.

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 porous polymeric matrix containing at least one natural polymer and at least one synthetic polymer and optionally at least one cation. Furthermore, a method of making a porous polymeric matrix involving mixing at least one natural polymer and inorganic salts with a solution comprising at least one solvent and at least one synthetic polymer to form a slurry, casting the slurry in a mold and removing the solvent to form solid matrices, immersing the solid matrices in deionized water to allow natural polymer cross-linking and pore creation to occur simultaneously, and drying the matrices to create a porous polymeric matrix; wherein the matrix contains a cation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microporous polyethylene film for a battery separator and a method of producing the same. The microporous polyethylene film comprises a resin mixture, which includes 100 parts by weight of composition containing 20-50 wt % polyethylene with a weight average molecular weight of 5×104-3×105 (component I) and 80-50 wt % diluent (component II), 0.1-2 parts by weight of peroxide (component III), and 0.05-0.5 parts by weight of anti-oxidant (component IV). The microporous polyethylene film has a puncture strength of 0.22 N/?m or more and a gas permeability (Darcy's permeability constant) of 1.3×10?5 Darcy or more. The present invention increases production efficiency of the microporous film, and improves performances and stability of the battery when the microporous polyethylene film is used in a battery separator.