Abstract:
The present invention uses supercritical and near supercritical fluid technology for the processing of polymer-containing formulations without induced foaming, giving benefits of either reduced melt viscosity and/or lower melt temperatures. Its application is particlarly beneficial to difficult to process materials, including unplasticised PVC, polycarbonate, PTFE, UHMWPE and polymers containing high loadings of fillers of organic origin. Shear and thermally sensitive materials can also be processed using this method with less risk of degradation, due to the lower shear input and reduced processing temperatures necessary. The production of foamed ceramic materials and metallic components by such a method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Metallic aerogel compositions comprising an aerogel, e.g., RF or carbon aerogel, having metallic particles dispersed on its surface are disclosed. The aerogel compositions can have a uniform distribution of small metallic particles, e.g., 1 nanometer average particle diameter. Also disclosed are processes for making the aerogel compositions comprising contacting an aerogel with a supercritical fluid containing a metallic compound. The aerogel compositions are useful, for example in the manufacture of fuel cell electrodes.
Abstract:
This invention relates to rigid porous carbon structures and to methods of making same. The rigid porous structures have a high surface area which are substantially free of micropores. Methods for improving the rigidity of the carbon structures include causing the nanofibers to form bonds or become glued with other nanofibers at the fiber intersections. The bonding can be induced by chemical modification of the surface of the nanofibers to promote bonding, by adding "gluing" agents and/or by pyrolyzing the nanofibers to cause fusion or bonding at the interconnect points.
Abstract:
Cured cement matrices are exposed to high pressure dense-phase orsupercritical CO2 which enters the matrix through passages therein to neutralize the natural alkalinity of the cement so that alkali-intolerant materials can be incorporated in the cement. The CO2 converts calcium hydroxide in the cement to calcium carbonate and water, and the high pressure of the dense-phase or supercritical CO2 forms rounded, closely packed and aligned crystals with few or no visible pores or capillaries to enhance the homogeneity and strength of the cured cement and its bonding with, for example, uncoated reinforcing glass fibers. The supercritical CO2 can be used to transport other organic or inorganic materials, including pulverized metal, in solution or suspension into the interior of the cement matrix to alter its chemical and/or physicalcharacteristics.
Abstract translation:固化的水泥基质暴露于高压密相或超临界CO 2,其通过其中的通道进入基体,以中和水泥的天然碱度,以使耐碱材料可以掺入水泥中。 CO 2将水泥中的氢氧化钙转化为碳酸钙和水,密相或超临界CO 2的高压形成圆形,紧密堆积和排列的结晶,几乎没有或没有可见的孔或毛细管,以提高均匀性和强度 固化水泥及其与例如未涂覆的增强玻璃纤维的粘合。 超临界CO 2可用于将溶液或悬浮液中的其它有机或无机材料(包括粉碎金属)输送到水泥基质的内部以改变其化学和/或物理特性。