Abstract:
A single calcination stage process for the synthesis of homogeneous crystalline lithium nickel cobalt dioxide from either a mechanical mixture of nickel and cobalt oxides, hydroxide or oxyhydroxide or a chemical precipitation of a homogeneous nickel cobalt hydroxide or cobalt nickel cobalt oxyhydroxide is provided. The reactants are calcined in the presence of lithium hydroxide and an alkali metal hydroxide under predetermined oxygen partial pressure and temperature conditions. The products of the process are characterized in having a lithium to transition metal ratio closely approximating to the desired theoretical value.
Abstract:
There is provided a series of novel particulate stabilized lithiated compounds which can be utilized as cathodic materials in lithium ion battery cells. Each particle of the material defines an inner lithiated metal oxide core which acts as an intercalation cathode. A lithium ion conductor coating surrounds the core to stabilize the latter and to improve the electrochemical properties of the material.
Abstract:
Composite powders useful for thermal spray coatings or for powder metallurgy parts are provided. The spherical powder particles are characterized by the presence of a fully alloyed metallic phase and a second non-metallic phase uniformly dispersed therein.
Abstract:
A microtitre plate containing a plurality of wells for conducting immunoassays wherein one or more of the sides, bottom and lid walls of each well are formed with a reflective, metallized surface. The surface may be an inner coating on the walls of clear or opaque plates, or an outer coating on the walls of clear plates. Alternatively, the plate may be formed, for example, by stamping from a reflective metal material. Improved sensitivity in photometric detection results from photon emitting immunoassays conducted inthe plate.
Abstract:
An electroluminescent laminate is provided that comprises: a planar phosphor layer (22); a front and a rear planar electrode (14,24) on either side of the phosphor layer; a planar dielectric layer, which is preferably composed of a thick layer (18) and a thin layer (20), between the rear electrode and the phosphor layer, the dielectric layer being formed from sintered ceramic material such that the dielectric layer provides a dielectric strength S which is greater than about 1.0 X 106 V/m and a dielectric constant such that the ratio of the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer to that of the phosphor layer is greater than about 50:1, the dielectric layer having a thickness sufficient to prevent dielectric breakdown during operation as determined by the equation d2 = V/S, wherein d2 is the thickness of the dielectric layer and V is the maximum applied voltage, the dielectric layer forming a surface adjacent the phosphor layer which is sufficiently smooth that the phosphor layer illuminates generally uniformly at a given excitation voltage, and wherein the dielectric layer is either in contact with the phosphor layer or spaced apart from it by at least one additional layer that is itself in contact with the phosphor layer and wherein the layer that is in contact with the phosphor layer is compatible with the phosphor layer.
Abstract:
Multilayer anti-microbial materials formed to produce an interference colour, and thus an indictor of anti-microbial effect, are provided. The materials include a partly reflective base layer and a partly reflective, partly transmissive top layer balanced to produce an interference colour. The top layer is formed from an anti-microbial metal with atomic disorder. Dissolution or a change in composition of the top layer on contacting an alcohol or electrolyte causes a change in optical path length so as to produce a change in the interference colour of the material. Multilayer, laminated wound dressings are also provided. The dressing includes a first and second layer, and preferably a third layer. The first and third layers are formed of perforated, non-adherent materials and most preferably carry an anti-microbial coating as above. The second layer is sandwiched between the first and third layers and is formed of an absorbent material. At least one of the layers is formed from a plastic material. The layers are laminated together by ultrasonic welds spaced intermittently on the dressing to allow the dressing to be cut to size with delaminating.
Abstract:
Anti-microbial coatings and powders and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing an anti-microbial biocompatible metal by vapour deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The anti-microbial effect of the coatings or powders may be further activated or enhanced by irradiating with a low linear energy transfer form of radiation such as gamma radiation.
Abstract:
Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing a biocompatible metal by vapor deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The invention extends to other metal coatings and powders similarly formed so as to provide enhanced solubility.