Technologies of the Month

Catalytic Ceramic Airflow and Gas Mixer

Deutsches Luftbau (DLR)

A static mixer offers the ability to be molded to any outer shape with diameters from 2 cm to 2 m. The mixer can be manufactured out of ceramic materials with different mixing angles, inner canal geometry, and inner surfaces for optional catalytic deposition, depending on the application. The mixer is chemical-resistant and may be used in temperatures up to 1450°C. By generating a highly turbulent flow-through, the mixer provides good mixing quality in a short mixing length. The high inner surface of the mixer makes the inclusion of a catalytic coating feasible, enabling the mixer to become a catalytic carrier as well as a mixer.

This mixer may be suitable for applications in radiation walls in industrial continuous furnaces, as packing for porous burners, exhaust gas denitrification for power stations, recuperators, and heat exchangers.

Get the complete report on this technology at: www.techbriefs.com/techsearch/tow/airflow.html

Email: nasatech@yet.2.com

Phone: 617-557-3800

Surfactant to Remove Silicone Residue

A simple surfactant method is desired that can effectively remove silicone buildup from a conditioner manufacturing system built primarily of stainless steel. High-molecular-weight silicone PDMS is used as an ingredient in a hair conditioner formula that sticks to the inner surfaces of the system. These deposits are difficult to remove and the residue builds up over time with multiple-cycle batches. The accumulation of silicone potentially attracts suspended solids in the formulation, thus leaving more visible residue. The technique must be effective at low concentrations and low aquatic toxicity so that the surfactant wash can be drained off without environmental concern.

Respond to this TechNeed at: www.techbriefs.com/techsearch/tn/residue.html

Email: nasatech@yet2.com

Phone: 617-557-3800

Optical Adhesive Coating

Avery Dennison

Optical coatings to control light distribution, such as antiglare, anti-iridescence, low reflectance, and interference, employ coatings of varying refractive index to obtain the desired light distribution. While fluoropolymers offer low refractive index - generally below 1.40 - fluoropolymers may have poor solvent solubility and poor adhesion to substrates. For optical applications, fluoropolymers are usually made in situ by radiation curing. Alternatively, fluoropolymers may be extruded as melts. It is desirable, therefore, to provide a solvent-soluble fluoropolymer having low refractive index and good adhesion to substrates.

Fluorosubstituted acrylate monomers can be copolymerized to prepare copolymers having specifically desired physical properties, such as refractive index, glass transition temperature, light transmittance, and adhesiveness. This invention provides an optical adhesive having a refractive index of less than 1.40.

Get the complete report on this technology at: www.techbriefs.com/techsearch/tow/adhesive.html

Email: nasatech@yet2.com

Phone: 617-557-3800

Technologies for E-Paper Displays

New technologies and approaches are needed for e-paper displays and re-writeable e-paper. The resulting technology should offer low cost, low power consumption, better and stronger color displays, thin form factor, light weight, and long-term image retention on the display without power. Recognized fundamental approaches include particle displacement method, rotating dichroic displays, MEMS, electrochromic technologies, eletrophoresis, liquid crystals, and organic or polymeric LEDs. Technologies that are still in the early stages of development may be considered, as long as the principles of the technology can be demonstrated.

Respond to this TechNeed at: www.techbriefs.com/techsearch/tn/epaper.html

Email: nasatech@yet2.com

Phone: 617-557-3800

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