Showing papers by "Cabot Corporation published in 2006"

Method of producing membrane electrode assemblies for use in proton exchange membrane and direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Low viscosity precursor compositions and methods for the deposition of conductive electronic features

Abstract: A precursor composition for the deposition and formation of an electrical feature such as a conductive feature. The precursor composition advantageously has a low viscosity enabling deposition using direct-write tools. The precursor composition also has a low conversion temperature, enabling the deposition and conversion to an electrical feature on low temperature substrates. A particularly preferred precursor composition includes silver metal for the formation of highly conductive silver features.

Metal nanoparticle compositions

Abstract: A metal nanoparticle composition for the fabrication of conductive features. The metal nanoparticle composition advantageously has a low viscosity permitting deposition of the composition by direct-write tools. The metal nanoparticle composition advantageously also has a low conversion temperature, permitting its deposition and conversion to an electrical feature on polymeric substrates.

Printable electrical conductors

Abstract: An electrical conductor formed from one or more metallic inks. The electrical conductor comprises a network of interconnected metallic nodes. Each node comprises a metallic composition, e.g., one or more metals or alloys. The network defines a plurality of pores having an average pore volume of less than about 10,000,000 nm3. The electrical conductors advantageously have a high degree of conductivity, e.g., a resistivity of not greater than about 10x the resistivity of the (bulk) metallic composition, which forms the individual nodes.

Controlling ink migration during the formation of printable electronic features

Abstract: Processes for controlling ink migration during the formation of printable electronic features. In a preferred aspect, the invention is to a process for forming at least a portion of an electronic feature. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a first substrate having a first surface; (b) modifying the first surface to form a modified surface; and (c) applying an ink to at least a portion of the modified surface, wherein the modified surface interacts with the ink to inhibit lateral and/or longitudinal migration of the applied ink, and wherein the applied ink forms at least a portion of the electronic feature. In another aspect, the invention is to a process for encouraging electronic ink spreading with a surfactant.

Production of metal nanoparticles

Abstract: Processes for the production of metal nanoparticles. In one aspect, the invention is to a process comprising the steps of mixing a heated first solution comprising a base and/or a reducing agent (e.g., a non-polyol reducing agent), a polyol, and a polymer of vinyl pyrrolidone with a second solution comprising a metal precursor that is capable of being reduced to a metal by the polyol. In another aspect, the invention is to a process that includes the steps of heating a powder of a polymer of vinyl pyrrolidone; forming a first solution comprising the powder and a polyol; and mixing the first solution with a second solution comprising a metal precursor capable of being reduced to a metal by the polyol.

Modified colorants and inkjet ink compositions comprising modified colorants

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified colorant comprising a colorant having attached at least one organic group. Various embodiments of the organic group are disclosed. For each of these embodiments, preferably the organic group has a defined calcium index value. Also disclosed are various uses for these modified colorants, including inkjet ink compositions.

Precursor compositions for the deposition of passive electronic features

Abstract: Precursor compositions for the fabrication of electronic features such as resistors and capacitors. The precursor compositions are formulated to have a low conversion temperature, such as not greater than about 350° C., thereby enabling the fabrication of such electronic features on a variety of substrates, including organic substrates such as polymer substrates.

Optimized multi-layer printing of electronics and displays

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a printed circuit board comprising a substrate and an electrical circuit is provided. The circuit is formed by deposition of a plurality of electronic inks onto the substrate and curing of each of the electronic inks. The deposition may be performed using an ink-jet printing process. The inkjet printing process may include the step of printing a plurality of layers, wherein a first layer includes at least one electronic ink deposited directly onto the substrate, and wherein each subsequent layer includes at least one electronic ink deposited on top of at least a portion of a previous layer when the previous layer has been cured. One or more of the layers may include at least two of the electronic inks.

Silver-containing particles, method and apparatus of manufacture, silver-containing devices made therefrom

Abstract: Provided are silver-containing powders and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the silver-containing particles of high quality, of a small size and narrow size distribution. An aerosol is generated from liquid feed and sent to a furnace, where liquid in droplets in the aerosol is vaporized to permit formation of the desired particles, which are then collected in a particle collector. The aerosol generation involves preparation of a high quality aerosol, with a narrow droplet size distribution, with close control over droplet size and with a high droplet loading suitable for commercial applications.

Luminescent compositions, methods for making luminescent compositions and inks incorporating the same

Abstract: A particulate luminescent composition is disclosed that, when excited by electromagnetic radiation at a first frequency, emits electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency equal to or within 1500 cm'1 of the first frequency. The luminescent composition comprises substantially spherical particles having a weight average particle size of less than about 10 μm and a particle size distribution such that at least about 90 weight percent of the particles are not larger than twice the average particle size.

Polymeric compositions containing nanotubes

Abstract: A polymeric composition containing at least one polymer and carbon nanotubes is described. The polymeric composition can have carbon nanotubes that are multi-wall carbon nanotubes and/or single-wall carbon nanotubes. The compositions can also contain carbon black. Also described are various articles made from the polymeric compositions including cables and other articles

Separation of metal nanoparticles

Abstract: A process for the production of metal nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are formed by combining a metal compound with a solution that comprises a polyol and a substance that is capable of being adsorbed on the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are precipitated by adding a nanoparticle-precipitating liquid in a sufficient amount to precipitate at least a substantial portion of the nanoparticles and of a protic solvent in a sufficient amount to improve the separation of the nanoparticles from the liquid phase.

Security features, their use, and processes for making them

Abstract: This invention is directed to security features that are formed, created, printed from inks comprising metallic particles and/or metallic nanoparticles. Preferably, the security feature is a reflective security features that comprises metallic nanoparticles where the reflective security features are formed by a direct-writing process, e.g., an ink jet printing process, using an ink comprising metallic nanoparticles. The invention is also directed to the use of these security features in many applications and to processes for making them.

Production of metal nanoparticles from precursors having low reduction potentials

Abstract: Metallic nanoparticles and processes for forming metallic nanoparticles. In one aspect, the invention is to a process for forming nanoparticles comprising the step of heating a solution comprising a first metal precursor and a nucleating agent (e.g., nucleate nanoparticles or a nucleate precursor) in the presence of a base under conditions effective to form the nanoparticles. The first metal precursor preferably comprises a cationic metal species having a low reduction potential. The invention is also to a nanoparticle or plurality of nanoparticles, each nanoparticle comprising a core having a largest dimension less than about 10 nm; and a metal layer substantially surrounding the core and having a largest dimension less than about 200 nm.

Processing dependent behavior of soft imprint lithography on the 1-10-nm scale

Abstract: This paper examines aspects of a soft nanoimprint lithography technique for operation at resolutions that approach the 1-nm regime. Systematic studies using polymer molds made with single walled carbon nanotubes (diameters between 0.5 and 5 nm) and high-resolution electron beam patterned layers of hydrogen silsesquioxane (line widths and heights /spl sim/10 and 20 nm, respectively) as templates reveal a dependence of the resolution limits on the polymer processing conditions. In particular, using a single choice of polymers for the molds and the molded materials, imprint results show that the conditions for spin casting and curing the polymers determine, to a large degree, the resolution and replication fidelity that can be achieved. Optimized procedures enable imprinted polymer surfaces that have a root mean squared surface roughness of /spl sim/0.26 nm or lower and a resolution as high as /spl sim/1 nm. These characteristics are significantly better than previous results obtained using these same polymers with unoptimized conditions. A diversity of molded polymers, including Bisphenol-F epoxy resin, polyacrylic acid, and polyurethane, show similar high-fidelity imprinting capabilities. Different procedures enable accurate relief replication for features with modest aspect ratios and dimensions of /spl sim/10 nm. The results indicate that choice of processing conditions is, in addition to materials selections, extremely important in achieving high-fidelity soft nanoimprint lithography in the 1-10-nm regime.

Aerogel Based Composites

Abstract: Composites, such as syntactic foams, are described. The composite contains at least one polymer and at least one aerogel. The aerogel is coated with a coating substance to at least substantially prevent the intrusion of the polymer into the pores of the areogel. Methods of making the composite are also described, as well as uses of the composite.

Insulated pipe and method for preparing same

Abstract: The invention provides an insulated pipe-in-pipe assembly comprising (a) at least one inner pipe, (b) an outer pipe disposed around the at least one inner pipe so as to create an annular space between the outer and inner pipes, (c) porous, resilient, compressible material disposed in the annular space, and (d) a remnant of a container that previously was positioned in the annular space and previously held the compressible material in a volume less than the volume of the compressible material in the annular space. The invention also provides a method for making such an insulated pipe-in-pipe assembly.

Alloy catalyst compositions and processes for making and using same

Abstract: Composite particles comprising inorganic nanoparticles disposed on a substrate particle and processes for making and using same. A flowing aerosol is generated that includes droplets of a precursor medium dispersed in a gas phase. The precursor medium contains a liquid vehicle and at least one precursor. At least a portion of the liquid vehicle is removed from the droplets of precursor medium under conditions effective to convert the precursor to the nanoparticles on the substrate and form the composite particles.

Colored reflective features and inks and processes for making them

Abstract: The present invention relates to colored reflective features, e.g., reflective security features or reflective decorative features, that optionally exhibit color shifting and to inks and processes for making such features. The features, as well as the inks optionally used to form the features, comprise nanoparticles and a colorant that preferably modifies a spectrum of light that is reflected by a reflective layer formed from the nanoparticles. The processes involve forming the features from one or more inks using a direct write printing process.

A simple FTIR technique for estimating the surface area of silica powders and films.

Abstract: A simple technique using FTIR spectroscopy to estimate the surface area of porous and non-porous silica powders is presented. The surface area is estimated by comparing the integrated area of the band due to isolated silanol groups on different silicas. We have found that by using a fumed silica as a calibrant, an accuracy of about 7% in the surface area of several silica materials is obtained when compared to the surface area computed by BET nitrogen adsorption techniques. The FTIR technique for computing surface area is simple and takes very little time to complete the analysis. The principle advantage of this method is that it enables surface area measurements of silica films on porous supports. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other methods that provide this information.

Replacement of passive electrical components

Abstract: A process of fabricating a passive electrical component, such as a resistor, a capacitor, or an inductor, is provided. The process includes the step of ink-jet printing at least one electronic ink onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. The step of ink-jet printing may include the steps of: a) selecting at least one electronic ink having at least one electrical characteristic when cured; b) determining a positional layout for a plurality of droplets of the at least one electronic ink such that, when the at least one electronic ink has been cured, the positional layout provides a desired response for the electrical component; c) printing each of the plurality of droplets of the at least one electronic ink onto the substrate according to the positional layout using an ink-jet printing process; and d) curing the at least one electronic ink.

Studies of robustness of industrial aciniform aggregates and agglomerates--carbon black and amorphous silicas: a review amplified by new data.

Abstract: Objective:The objective of this study was to demonstrate that severe mechanical processing of industrial aciniform aggregates results in some fracture of large aggregates and minimal liberation of “primary particles.”Methods:Carbon black and amorphous silica were subjected to uniaxial compression, m

Processes for forming nanoparticles in a flame spray system

Abstract: In one aspect, the process includes providing a precursor medium comprising a liquid vehicle and a precursor to a component, and flame spraying the precursor medium under conditions effective to form a population of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles include the component. The population of nanoparticles, as formed, comprises less than about 5 percent by volume particles having a particle size greater than 1.0 µm. A size distribution of the population of nanoparticles may have a d50 value less than about 500 nm, and it may be unimodal. The size distribution may have a geometric standard deviation of less than about 2. The process may occur continuously for at least four hours or more. Greater than about 90 percent by weight of the precursor to the component in the precursor medium may be converted to the component in the nanoparticles. The process typically occurs in an enclosed flame spray reactor.

Method to produce hydrogen or synthesis gas

Abstract: A method to produce hydrogen gas or synthesis gas is described and involves the use of a staged reactor The present invention further relates to effectively running a process such that efficient quantities of hydrogen gas are produced, along with economically useful amounts of carbon black A combined facility utilizing a carbon black manufacturing plant and a refinery plant are further described, as well as products made by the various methods of the present invention

Material for chromatography

Abstract: Granulated products are provided and include carbonaceous particles and a carbonized agent or binder. The agent or binder is preferably a synthetic resin, pitch component, or mixture thereof. Packing materials for packing columns used in chromatographic separations are also provided as are methods of chromatographic separation using the materials. In addition, methods are provided to provide a variety of different types of carbonaceous products. A variety of chemical groups can be, prior to heat-treatment and/or thereafter, attached to the granules to form modified granules.

Processes for forming nanoparticles

Abstract: In a first aspect, the process includes utilizing a precursor medium comprising particles and a nongaseous precursor to form product nanoparticles having a core/shell structure. In another aspect, the process includes utilizing an emulsion precursor medium comprising a nongaseous precursor and two liquid vehicles, wherein one of the liquid vehicles provides desirable thermal effects upon combustion. In another aspect the flame spray process includes modifying solid particles in a flame spray process to change the phase thereof.

System and process for manufacturing custom electronics by combining traditional electronics with printable electronics

Abstract: A system and process for manufacturing custom printed circuit boards on pre-provided substrates, wherein the substrate is pre-provided with standard integrated circuits The standard integrated circuits are pre-provided on the substrate in a conventional manner, such as by standard integrated circuit technologies, in many different packing technologies The user designs the custom printed circuit board using a design tool to perform one or more specific electronic functions, based on the pre-provided electronic devices, and/or custom designed and direct printed electronic devices The electronic devices includes transistors, resistors, capacitors, among other types of devices The system and process allows users to customize standard “generic” circuit boards with some known electronic functions for their own particular application Examples of such uses include displays, the automotive industry and many others

Methods for the deposition of electrocatalyst particles

Abstract: Energy devices such as batteries and methods for fabricating the energy devices The devices are small, thin and lightweight, yet provide sufficient power for many handheld electronics

Inkjet inks comprising modified pigments having attached polymeric groups

Abstract: The present invention relates to inkjet ink composition comprising a) a vehicle and b) a polymer modified pigment prepared by a 'grafting from' polymerization process. Various embodiments for the process for preparing the polymer modified pigment as well as the polymer modified pigments themselves are disclosed.