The present invention relates to an enhanced method for the manufacture of a plastic component (135), in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, the method comprising: opening a mold (100) by a predetermined amount into a loading position, wherein the mold comprises at least two mold parts (110, 112) and wherein the amount by which the mold is opened influences an available loading volume of the mold, loading a material comprising expanded particles (130) into the loading volume, closing the mold into a closed position, wherein during closing of the mold the mold parts are moved together over different distances (140) in different areas of the mold, compressing the expanded particles by closing the mold and fusing at least the surfaces of the expanded particles to mold the plastic component.

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a stretchable nanoparticle-polymer composite foams that exhibit piezoelectric properties. In one aspect, a nanoparticle-polymer composite structure includes a curable liquid polymer; piezoelectric nanoparticles; and graphitic carbons.

The present invention relates to a process for foaming thermoplastic elastomers comprising a blowing agent, where the elastomer is heated by means of electromagnetic radiation to such an extent that the elastomer at least partly melts and foams to give a foam, wherein the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation is in the range from 0.01 GHz to 300 GHz. Further subject matter encompasses materials suitable for this process and the use thereof.

The present invention discloses a quantum-dot composite optical film comprising: a plurality of quantum dots dispersed in the optical film, wherein the plurality of quantum dots are capable of being water-resistant and oxygen-resistant; and a plurality of prisms, disposed over the quantum-dot layer.

Disclosed is a method for preparation and activation of a super hydrophobic electret nanofibrous filter material for cleaning PM2.5, comprising the steps as follows: (1) dissolving polymer powders and resin into a corresponding solvent so as to prepare a polymer solution, then stirring on a magnetic stirrer and standing for use; (2) in order to reinforce the electrostatic effect of the fiber, before preparing the polymer solution, adding in organic electret nanoparticles into the solvent, then oscillating with an ultrasonic oscillator; (3) in order to reinforce the super hydrophobic effect of the filter, spraying a low surface energy solution on the prepared nanofiber with a designed nozzle to carry out modification.

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a stretchable nanoparticle-polymer composite foams that exhibit piezoelectric properties. In one aspect, a nanoparticle-polymer composite structure includes a curable liquid polymer; piezoelectric nanoparticles; and graphitic carbons.

The present invention relates to an enhanced method for the manufacture of a plastic component (135), in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, the method comprising: opening a mold (100) by a predetermined amount into a loading position, wherein the mold comprises at least two mold parts (110, 112) and wherein the amount by which the mold is opened influences an available loading volume of the mold, loading a material comprising expanded particles (130) into the loading volume, closing the mold into a closed position, wherein during closing of the mold the mold parts are moved together over different distances (140) in different areas of the mold, compressing the expanded particles by closing the mold and fusing at least the surfaces of the expanded particles to mold the plastic component.

The present invention relates to a deformable device (10), including a first thermoplastic material (40), said first material being substantially rigid at a temperature lower than a first threshold (T.sub.1) and malleable at a temperature higher than said first threshold (T.sub.1), said first threshold (T.sub.1) preferably being comprised between 40 C. and 90 C. The device includes an outer shell (16) made of at least one second flexible material (42), said outer shell defining an inner recess (18), the first material (40) filling the inner recess, the at least one second flexible material (42) forming the outer shell being in solid state at least until a second temperature threshold (T.sub.2) higher than the first threshold (T.sub.1) by 10 C., preferably by 20 C.

Described are methods for the manufacture of a plastic component, in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, a plastic component manufactured with such a method, for example a sole or a part of a sole for a shoe, and a shoe with such a sole. According to an aspect of the invention, a method for the manufacture of a plastic component, in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, is provided which includes loading a mold with a first material which includes particles of an expanded material, and, during loading the mold, pre-heating the particles by supplying energy, wherein the energy is supplied in the form of at least one electromagnetic field.

Described are methods for the manufacture of a plastic component, in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, a plastic component manufactured with such a method, for example a sole or a part of a sole for a shoe, and a shoe with such a sole. According to an aspect of the invention, a method for the manufacture of a plastic component, in particular a cushioning element for sports apparel, is provided which includes loading a mold with a first material which includes particles of an expanded material, and, during loading the mold, pre-heating the particles by supplying energy, wherein the energy is supplied in the form of at least one electromagnetic field.