Polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of thermally conductive particles distributed within the polymeric network structure; wherein the thermally conductive particles are present in a range from 15 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the thermally conductive particles and the polymer (excluding the solvent); and wherein the polymer matrix composite has a density of at least 0.3 g/cm.sup.3; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, in electronic devices.

A polymer composition for producing gel extruded articles is described. The polymer composition contains polyethylene particles combined with a plasticizer and one or more strength enhancing additives. Polymer articles made in accordance with the present disclosure have enhanced strength properties. In one embodiment, the polymer composition is used to form a porous membrane for use as a separator in electronic devices.

A polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of functional particles distributed within the polymeric network structure, and wherein the polymer matrix composite has an air flow resistance at 25° C., as measured by the “Air Flow Resistance Test,” of less than 300 seconds/50 cm.sup.3/500 micrometers; and wherein the polymer matrix composite has a density of at least 0.3 g/cm.sup.3; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as filters.

A polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of functional particles distributed within the polymeric network structure, and wherein the polymer matrix composite has an air flow resistance at 25° C., as measured by the “Air Flow Resistance Test,” of less than 300 seconds/50 cm.sup.3/500 micrometers; and wherein the polymer matrix composite has a density of at least 0.3 g/cm.sup.3; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as filters.

Method of making a polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network structure; and a plurality of particles distributed within the polymeric network structure, the method comprising: combining a thermoplastic polymer, a solvent that the thermoplastic polymer is soluble in, and a plurality of particles to provide a slurry; forming the slurry in to an article; heating the article in an environment to retain at least 90 percent by weight of the solvent, based on the weight of the solvent in the slurry, and inducing phase separation of the thermoplastic polymer from the solvent to provide the polymer matrix composite.

(Co)polymer matrix composites including a porous (co)polymeric network; a multiplicity of thermally-conductive particles and a multiplicity of magnetic particles distributed within the (co)polymeric network structure; wherein the thermally-conductive particles, magnetic particles and optional magnetic particles are present in a range from 15 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the particles and the (co)polymer (excluding the solvent). Methods of making and using the (co)polymer matrix composites are also disclosed. The (co)polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as heat dissipating or heat absorbing thermal interface materials that also provide magnetic properties useful, for example, in flux field directional materials or shielding from electromagnetic interference.

A polymer composition can be used for selective absorbing sintering, SAS, or selective inhibition sintering, SIS. The polymer has open mesopores and the cumulative pore volume distribution of the mesopores, measured to DIN 66134, is at least 0.01 cm.sup.3/g.

A polyolefin material that is formed by solid state drawing of a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a polyolefin matrix polymer and nanoinclusion additive is provided. The nanoinclusion additive is dispersed within the continuous phase as discrete nano-scale phase domains. When drawn, the nano-scale phase domains are able to interact with the matrix in a unique manner to create a network of nanopores.

A barrier layer is provided. The barrier layer includes a porous structure, which includes a polymer material, an oxide and a fluoro-containing material. A chemical bond is formed between the oxide and the polymer material. The fluoro-containing material, the polymer material and the oxide are assembled as a composite structure.

A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels in a single step and in a single pot without requiring any solvent exchange is described. Porous matrices are synthesized through a modification of hydrolysis condensation of alkoxides in which addition of water is minimized. The reaction occurs in an ethanol-water azeotrope mixture; the water in the azeotrope slowly hydrolyzes the alkoxide. Additionally, after gelation, the porous matrix is dried in supercritical ethanol rather than liquid CO.sub.2, which allows for elimination of solvent exchange steps. These modifications allow for the preparation of aerogel monoliths in any size in one step and in one pot and much faster than conventional procedures. In addition, the method provides for custom aerogel parts with large dimensions, as well as high volume fabrication of aerogels. The custom aerogel parts may be used in a variety of thermal insulation applications.