Systems and methods for using microneedle arrays to deliver bioactive compounds are presented. In general, the microneedle array comprises at least three layers: a base layer, a separation layer, and a bioactive layer, wherein the separation layer is situated between the base layer and the bioactive layer. Upon exposure to physiological conditions, the separation layer dissolves and/or disperses, allowing the base layer to be removed while the bioactive layer remains embedded in the outer surface of the skin.

Systems and methods for using microneedle arrays to deliver bioactive compounds are presented. In general, the microneedle array comprises at least three layers: a base layer, a separation layer, and a bioactive layer, wherein the separation layer is situated between the base layer and the bioactive layer. Upon exposure to physiological conditions, the separation layer dissolves and/or disperses, allowing the base layer to be removed while the bioactive layer remains embedded in the outer surface of the skin.

Composite materials with adjustable spectral properties comprised of IR-reflecting micro-domains overlaying an IR-transparent elastomeric matrix, and capable of dynamically controlling IR radiation transmission are described, as well as methods of fabrication thereof. Systems with capabilities to regulate IR radiation (including heat) transmission based thereon, and methods of regulating IR radiation transmission (including thermal regulation) using the same are also provided.

A multilayer coating exhibits good corrosion resistance and good abrasion resistance. The multilayer coating includes layers A and layers B deposited forming a sequence of the type . . . A/B/A/B/A . . . , with the layers A being CrN-based layers or CrN layers and the layers B being CrON-based layers or CrON layers. The multilayer coating exhibits a modulated ratio of the thicknesses of the A layers and B layers, in a manner that the multilayer coating comprises at least two different coating portions along the whole multilayer coating thickness, with differently adjusted ratio of the thicknesses of the A layers and B layers.

A method is for producing a profile segment of a segmented casting-vulcanizing mold for vehicle tires, the molding area of which molds a segment of the tread profile of a tire to be vulcanized, including the steps: creating a rigid model segment having a casing-like tread surface; milling the profile positive of the tread into the casing-like tread surface of the model segment to obtain the master model; creating a flexible impression from the master model; creating a rigid plaster cast from the impression to form a casting core segment; casting all of the annular, placed-together casting core segments with an aluminium-magnesium alloy to obtain a vulcanizing mold, subsequently divided into profile segments. A plasma coating is applied to the tread of the model segment, into which the profile positive of the tread is subsequently milled to obtain the master model. Plasma coating gives the master model a defined roughness.

A method is for producing a profile segment of a segmented casting-vulcanizing mold for vehicle tires, the molding area of which molds a segment of the tread profile of a tire to be vulcanized, including the steps: creating a rigid model segment having a casing-like tread surface; milling the profile positive of the tread into the casing-like tread surface of the model segment to obtain the master model; creating a flexible impression from the master model; creating a rigid plaster cast from the impression to form a casting core segment; casting all of the annular, placed-together casting core segments with an aluminium-magnesium alloy to obtain a vulcanizing mold, subsequently divided into profile segments. A plasma coating is applied to the tread of the model segment, into which the profile positive of the tread is subsequently milled to obtain the master model. Plasma coating gives the master model a defined roughness.

A substrate has a body defined at least in part by a single piece of aluminum or aluminum alloy material having a cavity and a pinch-off or other feature area and further having a metal-matrix composite (MMC) layer formed integrally in the body at the pinch-off or other feature area. A process of producing a substrate involves machining a single piece of material to provide a body having a surface and a feature area, the feature area being of smaller dimension than required for the piece, integrally forming a metal-matrix composite layer in the feature area to build up the feature area to at least a dimension required for the piece. The metal-matrix composite comprises an aluminum-nickel alloy matrix (e.g. Al-12Si alloy alloyed with Ni) having WC particles embedded therein or a aluminum matrix (e.g. Al-12Si alloy) having TiC particles embedded therein and has greater wear resistance, greater strength, greater toughness or any combination thereof than the material.

A substrate has a body defined at least in part by a single piece of aluminum or aluminum alloy material having a cavity and a pinch-off or other feature area and further having a metal-matrix composite (MMC) layer formed integrally in the body at the pinch-off or other feature area. A process of producing a substrate involves machining a single piece of material to provide a body having a surface and a feature area, the feature area being of smaller dimension than required for the piece, integrally forming a metal-matrix composite layer in the feature area to build up the feature area to at least a dimension required for the piece. The metal-matrix composite comprises an aluminum-nickel alloy matrix (e.g. Al-12Si alloy alloyed with Ni) having WC particles embedded therein or a aluminum matrix (e.g. Al-12Si alloy) having TiC particles embedded therein and has greater wear resistance, greater strength, greater toughness or any combination thereof than the material.

The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of dies for moulds for the production of tiles with three dimensional texture.

The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of dies for moulds for the production of tiles with three dimensional texture.