A biocompatible controlled release form of complexed iodine is achieved by a complexation of polyvinyl alcohol based foam and characterized by a residual starch component to optimize iodine release profiles. The resulting iodine complexed polyvinyl alcohol foam may be utilized locally as an antimicrobial agent that releases controlled amounts of iodine sufficient to kill microbes for extended durations without excessive bulk and rigidity.

A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.

A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.

A method for manufacturing a crosslinked polyolefin separator and the crosslinked polyolefin separator obtained therefrom are provided. The method includes non-grafted polyolefin having a weight average molecular weight of 300,000 or more and silane-grafted polyolefin having a weight average molecular weight of 300,000 or more. The method minimizes gel formation, a side reaction occurring in an extruder during the manufacture of the separator, and provides the separator having a uniform surface.

A method for manufacturing a crosslinked polyolefin separator and the crosslinked polyolefin separator obtained therefrom are provided. The method includes non-grafted polyolefin having a weight average molecular weight of 300,000 or more and silane-grafted polyolefin having a weight average molecular weight of 300,000 or more. The method minimizes gel formation, a side reaction occurring in an extruder during the manufacture of the separator, and provides the separator having a uniform surface.

Provided are a porous structure and a method of fabricating the same. The porous structure may include an aluminum oxide containing at least one of fluorine and phenyl group. For example, the porous structure may be formed from alumina which contains fluorine or phenyl group. The method of fabricating the porous structure may include preparing an aluminum precursor including at least one of fluorine and phenyl group; providing a precursor solution by mixing the precursor with a solvent; and forming the porous structure having 3-dimensional network structure including the aluminum oxide containing the at least one of fluorine and phenyl group from the precursor solution through gelation.

Polymeric particles are provided that have pores (i.e., free volume or voids). The polymeric particles can be used to store or deliver active agents that are adsorbed in the pores of the polymeric particles. In many embodiments, the active agents are hydrophobic. Reaction mixtures and methods of forming the polymeric particles from the reaction mixtures are also provided.

Polymeric particles are provided that have pores (i.e., free volume or voids). The polymeric particles can be used to store or deliver active agents that are adsorbed in the pores of the polymeric particles. In many embodiments, the active agents are hydrophobic. Reaction mixtures and methods of forming the polymeric particles from the reaction mixtures are also provided.

A microconduit network structure and methods for making the same. One aspect of the invention relates to a microconduit network structure, including: a solid or semi-solid matrix having at least one interconnected web of filaments formed within the matrix; and wherein at least one interconnected web of filaments having diameters of about 10 nm to about 1 mm.

A microconduit network structure and methods for making the same. One aspect of the invention relates to a microconduit network structure, including: a solid or semi-solid matrix having at least one interconnected web of filaments formed within the matrix; and wherein at least one interconnected web of filaments having diameters of about 10 nm to about 1 mm.