A metallic or metallized reinforcer has at least a surface of which is at least partially metallic, the at least partially metallic surface being coated with a polybenzoxazine sulfide whose repeating units include at least one unit corresponding to formula (I) or (II): ##STR00001##
in which the two oxazine rings are connected together via a central aromatic group, the benzene ring of which bears one, two, three or four groups of formula —S.sub.x—R in which “x” is an integer from 1 to 8 and R represents hydrogen or a hydrocarbon-based group including 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally a heteroatom chosen from O, S, N and P. Such a reinforcement can be used for the reinforcement of a rubber article, in particular a motor vehicle tire.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

An oleophilic and hydrophobic nanocellulose material is disclosed herein, for nanocellulose sponges and other applications. The oleophilic and hydrophobic nanocellulose material comprises lignin-coated cellulose nanofibrils and/or lignin-coated cellulose nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the nanocellulose material is in the form of a 2D coating or layer, or a 3D object (e.g., foam or aerogel). The nanocellulose material may be disposed onto a scaffold. A process is provided for producing an oleophilic and hydrophobic nanocellulose object, comprising fractionating a biomass feedstock with an acid, a solvent for lignin, and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a lignin-containing liquor; mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form cellulose fibrils and/or cellulose crystals; generating a nanocellulose object from the intermediate nanocellulose material; exposing the nanocellulose object to the lignin-containing liquor to allow lignin to deposit onto a surface of the nanocellulose object; and recovering the oleophilic and hydrophobic nanocellulose object.

A sealable volume has a wall forming at least a portion of a boundary limiting the volume. The wall includes a hydrogen permeation barrier including a layer system (LS) having at least one layer. The layer system includes at least one hydrogen barrier layer (HPBL) of an at least ternary oxide. Preferably, the oxide is substantially composed of Al, Cr and O and the hydrogen barrier layer (HPBL) is deposited using physical vapor deposition, in particular cathodic arc evaporation. Preferably, the layer system includes at least one of: an adhesion layer (AdhL), a hydrogen storage layer (HStL), a protective layer (ProtL), in particular a thermal barrier layer (ThBL), a diffusion barrier layer (DBL), an oxidation barrier layer (OxBL), a chemical barrier layer (ChBL), a wear resistance layer (WRL). Excellent hydrogen permeation barrier properties can be achieved, and the layer system can be tailored as required by an envisaged application.

The present invention relates to a semi-conductive polymer composition, the present invention provides a semi-conductive polymer composition comprising an ethylene copolymer comprising polar co-monomer units; an olefin homo- or copolymer; and a conductive filler; wherein the olefin homo- or copolymer has a degree of crystallinity below 20%. The invention also relates to a wire or cable comprising said semi-conductive polymer composition, and to the use of said composition for the production of a layer, preferably a semi-conducting shield layer of a wire or cable.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

A simple, economical method of producing nanowire arrays is described. The method produces high density arrays having nanowires with diameters below 10 nm and does not require templating, catalysts, or surface pre/post-treatment. The disclosed methods and systems can be used, for example, for optoelectronic devices and photovoltaic cells, Li-ion batteries, chemical/bio sensors and transistors.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of a fiber-reinforced composite material with a polyamide matrix.

A filament winding method and system without needing a resin dip bath are disclosed. The method comprises feeding a fiber band of a plurality of fibers onto a mandrel without dipping the fibers in a resin bath, and applying a resin onto the fiber band at or about where the fiber band contacts the mandrel or applied directly to the fiber band and then wound onto the mandrel so that the resin is between the mandrel and the fiber band at the point of contact. In some embodiments, the resin can be sprayed onto the fibers and in other embodiments, the resin can be delivered in at least one layer onto the fiber band that is then impregnated into the fiber band as the fiber band wraps around the mandrel. The fiber can comprise carbon fiber, basalt fiber, glass fibers, Kevlar fiber, polyester fiber, other fibers, or a combination thereof.

The present invention provides for an inorganic nanostructure-organic polymer heterostructure, useful as a thermoelectric composite material, comprising (a) an inorganic nanostructure, and (b) an electrically conductive organic polymer disposed on the inorganic nanostructure. Both the inorganic nanostructure and the electrically conductive organic polymer are solution-processable.