This disclosure is related to a class of metal-ion induced hydrophobic polymers and method of producing such class of compounds by a one-step solution immersion process. Specifically, a metal-ion Induced hydrophobic polymer or melamine sponge (MII-HMS) is disclosed. Such polymer or sponge is demonstrated to be highly hydrophobic and oleophilic and exhibits excellent oil absorption capabilities, being able to absorb a wide range of oils and organic solvents up to 71 to 157 times of its own weight.

A crosslinked polyolefin separator which has gels with a longer side length of 50 μm or more in a number ranging from 0 to 3 per 1 m.sup.2 of the separator, and shows a standard deviation of absorbance ratio between the center of the separator and the side thereof ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 is provided. A method for manufacturing the crosslinked polyolefin separator is also provided. The method includes (S1) preparing a polyolefin porous membrane, and (S2) applying a coating solution containing an initiator and alkoxy group-containing vinylsilane onto at least one surface of the porous membrane. The coating solution can permeate even to the inside of exposed pores. Thus, it is possible to provide a crosslinked polyolefin separator in which silane crosslinking occurs uniformly even inside of the pores.

A method of manufacturing a flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlling for an effective pore size using removable pore-forming substances and physically incorporated, non-leaching antimicrobials. A flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlled for an effective pore size composited physically incorporated, high-surface area, non-leaching antimicrobials, optionally in which the physically incorporated non-leaching antimicrobial exposes nanopillars on its surface to enhance antimicrobial activity. A kit that enhances the effectiveness of the intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite by storing the composite within an antimicrobial container.

A method of manufacturing a flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlling for an effective pore size using removable pore-forming substances and physically incorporated, non-leaching antimicrobials. A flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlled for an effective pore size composited physically incorporated, high-surface area, non-leaching antimicrobials, optionally in which the physically incorporated non-leaching antimicrobial exposes nanopillars on its surface to enhance antimicrobial activity. A kit that enhances the effectiveness of the intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite by storing the composite within an antimicrobial container.

The present invention describes various methods for manufacturing gel composite sheets using segmented fiber or foam reinforcements and gel precursors. Additionally, rigid panels manufactured from the resulting gel composites are also described. The gel composites are relatively flexible enough to be wound and when unwound, can be stretched flat and made into rigid panels using adhesives.

The present invention describes various methods for manufacturing gel composite sheets using segmented fiber or foam reinforcements and gel precursors. Additionally, rigid panels manufactured from the resulting gel composites are also described. The gel composites are relatively flexible enough to be wound and when unwound, can be stretched flat and made into rigid panels using adhesives.

Nanopore devices including barriers using polymers with end groups, and methods of making the same, are provided herein. In some examples, a barrier between first and second fluids is provided. The barrier may be suspended by a barrier support defining an aperture. The barrier may include one or more layers suspended across the aperture and including molecules of a block copolymer. Each molecule of the block copolymer may include one or more hydrophilic blocks having an approximate length A and one or more hydrophilic blocks having an approximate length B. The hydrophilic blocks may form outer surfaces of the barrier and the hydrophobic blocks being located within the barrier. End groups may be coupled to ends of the hydrophilic blocks that form outer surfaces of the barrier. The end groups may have a different hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic blocks.

Nanopore devices including barriers using polymers with end groups, and methods of making the same, are provided herein. In some examples, a barrier between first and second fluids is provided. The barrier may be suspended by a barrier support defining an aperture. The barrier may include one or more layers suspended across the aperture and including molecules of a block copolymer. Each molecule of the block copolymer may include one or more hydrophilic blocks having an approximate length A and one or more hydrophilic blocks having an approximate length B. The hydrophilic blocks may form outer surfaces of the barrier and the hydrophobic blocks being located within the barrier. End groups may be coupled to ends of the hydrophilic blocks that form outer surfaces of the barrier. The end groups may have a different hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic blocks.

Formation of low-crystallinity curcumin nanoparticles via controlled supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO.sub.2) impregnation of curcumin into biodegradable nanoporous starch aerogels and methods of preparing these aerogels are disclosed. The nanoporous starch aerogels increase water solubility and bioaccessibility of the curcumin, thereby making them available for preparation of high nutraceutical value foods.

Formation of low-crystallinity curcumin nanoparticles via controlled supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO.sub.2) impregnation of curcumin into biodegradable nanoporous starch aerogels and methods of preparing these aerogels are disclosed. The nanoporous starch aerogels increase water solubility and bioaccessibility of the curcumin, thereby making them available for preparation of high nutraceutical value foods.