There is disclosed a layered article that can be used in indirect printing, in analog or digital processes. The layered article, when configured as a transfer member, may serve to receive an ink in any form, allow the ink to be treated so as to form an ink image, and permit the application of the ink image on a substrate. The transfer member comprises a support layer and an imaging layer, which may be formed of a silicon matrix including dispersed carbon black particles. Methods for preparing the same are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to friction materials comprising graphite having a c/2 of 0.3358 nm or less and a spring-back of 40% or more, such as 41% or more. The invention further relates to methods of making and uses of such friction materials.

Disclosed are a method for manufacturing an electrode, an electrode manufactured thereby, a membrane-electrode assembly including the electrode, and a fuel cell containing the membrane-electrode assembly. The method includes the steps of: preparing an electrode forming composition by mixing a catalyst with an ionomer; applying a low-frequency acoustic energy to the electrode forming composition to perform resonant vibratory mixing so as to coat the ionomer on the surface of the catalyst; and coating the electrode forming composition to manufacture an electrode.

Disclosed are a method for manufacturing an electrode, an electrode manufactured thereby, a membrane-electrode assembly including the electrode, and a fuel cell containing the membrane-electrode assembly. The method includes the steps of: preparing an electrode forming composition by mixing a catalyst with an ionomer; applying a low-frequency acoustic energy to the electrode forming composition to perform resonant vibratory mixing so as to coat the ionomer on the surface of the catalyst; and coating the electrode forming composition to manufacture an electrode.

The present invention relates to a particulate carbon material that can be produced from renewable raw materials, in particular from biomass containing lignin, comprising: a .sup.14C content that corresponds to that of the renewable raw materials, said content being preferably greater than 0.20 Bq/g carbon, especially preferably greater than 0.23 Bq/g carbon, but preferably less than 0.45 Bq/g carbon in each case; a carbon content in relation to the ash-free dry substance of between 60 ma. % and 80 ma. %; an STSA surface area of the primary particles of at least 5 m.sup.2/g and at most 200 m.sup.2/g; and an oil absorption value (OAN) of between 50 ml/100 g and 150 ml/100 g. The present invention also relates to a method for producing said carbon material and to the use thereof.

The present invention relates to a particulate carbon material that can be produced from renewable raw materials, in particular from biomass containing lignin, comprising: a .sup.14C content that corresponds to that of the renewable raw materials, said content being preferably greater than 0.20 Bq/g carbon, especially preferably greater than 0.23 Bq/g carbon, but preferably less than 0.45 Bq/g carbon in each case; a carbon content in relation to the ash-free dry substance of between 60 ma. % and 80 ma. %; an STSA surface area of the primary particles of at least 5 m.sup.2/g and at most 200 m.sup.2/g; and an oil absorption value (OAN) of between 50 ml/100 g and 150 ml/100 g. The present invention also relates to a method for producing said carbon material and to the use thereof.

A method for efficiently removing non-magnetic foreign material, from a carbonaceous material dispersion in which carbonaceous material particles are dispersed in a dispersing medium, includes applying the dispersion to a primary filter a specified number of times in circulation, the primary filter including at least one filter device; and applying the dispersion treated with the primary filter to a secondary filter a single time, the secondary filter including at least two filter devices arranged in series. Each respective filter device to be used satisfying following conditions: (a) a variation of cumulative undersize distribution Q [%] with respect to a reference particle diameter and a variation of non-volatile content, before and after passing the carbonaceous material dispersion, being not more than 0.1%, respectively; and (b) a removal rate of particles with a threshold particle diameter being not less than 20%.

A method for efficiently removing non-magnetic foreign material, from a carbonaceous material dispersion in which carbonaceous material particles are dispersed in a dispersing medium, includes applying the dispersion to a primary filter a specified number of times in circulation, the primary filter including at least one filter device; and applying the dispersion treated with the primary filter to a secondary filter a single time, the secondary filter including at least two filter devices arranged in series. Each respective filter device to be used satisfying following conditions: (a) a variation of cumulative undersize distribution Q [%] with respect to a reference particle diameter and a variation of non-volatile content, before and after passing the carbonaceous material dispersion, being not more than 0.1%, respectively; and (b) a removal rate of particles with a threshold particle diameter being not less than 20%.

Pigmented masonry compositions are provided that include chemically treated carbon black pigments having attached an organic group including an ionic or an ionizable group, the ionic or ionizable group being present at a level from 1.0 to 3.0 μmol/m.sup.2. The compositions exhibit excellent color consistency and jetness and provide consistent color after long term exposure to high levels of moisture.

Pigmented masonry compositions are provided that include chemically treated carbon black pigments having attached an organic group including an ionic or an ionizable group, the ionic or ionizable group being present at a level from 1.0 to 3.0 μmol/m.sup.2. The compositions exhibit excellent color consistency and jetness and provide consistent color after long term exposure to high levels of moisture.