Chemotronics International, Inc.

Henry C Geen

Clarence S Vinton

Charles H Franklin

Christopher J Torbet

A method for preparing reticulate thermoset resin structures is described. Thermoset or thermosettable resin containing foams, prepared by a method wherein thin membranes dividing contiguous cells in a thin membraned, thick stranded thermoset or thermosettable resin foam with interconnected cells are produced, and are thermally reticulated. The foams are preferably thermally reticulated by providing a combustible gas mixture inside the cells of the foam and then igniting the mixture to destroy the foam membranes. The thermosettable or thermoset reticulate resin structures so produced are particularly useful for preparing carbon structures with the same geometry by heating at elevated temperatures under reducing, inert or vacuum conditions.

Method for the preparation of reticulate carbon structures

A reticulated anisotropic porous carbon structure composed of bent or crimped interconnected and continuous strands is described. The structure is isomorphic with the compression bent strands of the flexible reticulated polyurethane structure from which it is derived. The structure compression can be sufficient for interbonding of the bent strands which overlay each other or the bent strands can be essentially free of bonding to adjacent strands. The carbon structure is derived by providing a compressed reticulated anisotropic polyurethane structure composed of the bent strands which is then infused with a liquid thermosetting resin or resin solution or resin precursor, removing any excess liquid resin or resin precursor or resin solution from the surfaces of the strands; and then carbonizing the infused strands at an elevated temperature. The reticulated carbon structures so formed are relatively unreactive, even at very high temperatures, under reducing or neutral conditions and are particularly useful as corrosive and high temperature material filters, battery electrodes, porous catalysts or catalyst supports as well as for making carbide containing articles by infusion of the pores with a carbide forming metal or cladding thereof such as with carbide or nitride coatings by chemical vapor deposition and the like.

Reticulated anisotropic porous vitreous carbon

A method for rounding sharp edged tube lips and for cleaning of dialysis units, such as artificial kidneys, of the type where multiple tube ends are sealed in place at end surfaces to be cleaned in the unit, is described. The method involves the transient thermal treatment of the tube lips and the end surfaces adjacent the lips of the unit while the inside of each of the tubes is filled with a noncombustible fluid which shields the tubes from the thermal treatment. The resulting heat-polished rounded tube lips in the unit provide improved dialyzate fluid flow. In artificial kidneys, damage to cells in blood being dialyzed is reduced and reduction of particulate matter introduced into the blood is accomplished.

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Brooklyn, MI, United States of America

Henry C Geen