Transparent Metal-Salt-Filled Polymeric Radiation Shields

"COR-RA" (colorless atomic oxygen resistant -- radiation shield) is the name of a transparent polymeric material filled with x-ray-absorbing salts of lead, bismuth, cesium, and thorium. COR-RA is suitable for use in shielding personnel against bremsstrahlung radiation from electron-beam welding and industrial and medical x-ray equipment. In comparison with lead-foil and leaded-glass shields that give equivalent protection against x-rays (see table), COR-RA shields are mechanically more durable. COR-RA absorbs not only x-rays but also neutrons and rays without adverse effects on optical or mechanical performance. The formulation of COR-RA with the most favorable mechanical-durability and optical properties contains 22 weight percent of bismuth to absorb x-rays, plus 45 atomic percent hydrogen for shielding against neutrons

Silicon Whisker and Carbon Nanofiber Composite Anode

A carbon nanofiber can have a surface and include at least one crystalline whisker extending from the surface of the carbon nanofiber. A battery anode composition can be formed from a plurality of carbon nanofibers each including a plurality of crystalline whiskers

HIGH EFFICIENCY PARTICLE COLLECTION MEMBRANES WITH HIGH AIR AND MOISTURE PERMEABILITY: CHARACTERIZATION, MODELING AND LARGE-AREA DEPOSITION HIGH EFFICIENCY PARTICLE COLLECTION MEMBRANES WITH HIGH AIR AND MOISTURE PERMEABILITY: CHARACTERIZATION, MODELING A

ABSTRACT Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has developed, characterized and modeled the performance of nonwoven membranes for percutaneous protection. The membranes, composed of polymer fibers deposited by electrospinning, collect particles and aerosols over the size range of 0.2-1.0 micrometers with high efficiencies while maintaining the high air and moisture permeabilities required for wearer comfort. The membranes' high surface-to-volume ratio also provides a platform for the inclusion of reactive species for self-detoxification functionality. PSI has developed a prototype system for covering large substrate areas. For membranes with mean fiber diameters between 700 and 850 nm, a filtration efficiency of 98% was found at an areal density of 2.9 mg/cm 2 for 0.3 µm diameter particles. Membranes with areal densities up to 1.5 mg/cm 2 were found to have low water vapor diffusion resistances of about 1 sec/m, indicating that the coatings can be spun onto conventional fabrics and provide protection while retaining high breathability