Abstract: The invention provides poiyfunctionai bio-based methacrylate oligomers, which are synthesized via the ring-opening reaction between at least one ethyienicaliy unsaturated acid selected from methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, and crotonic acid, and a poiyfunctionai bio-based epoxy resin, such as epoxidized sucrose soyate. The extent of reaction may be varied to generate a family of methacrylate oligomers with differing degrees of methacryiation. These methacrylate oligomers can optionally be mixed with a reactive diluent, such as styrene, and cured using, for example, a thermally-activated free radical initiator to form a thermoset polymer with high modulus. The thermosets can be used to form composites, adhesives, coatings, and dental restorative materials. Methods of making the methacrylate oligomers are disclosed as are coating compositions and coated objects, such as dental restorative materials, using the methacrylate oligomers.

Abstract: The invention provides a bio-based acrylic monomer, particularly a plant oil-based acrylic monomer, which is well-suited for emulsion polymerization and latex formation in aqueous medium. Polymers and copolymers formed from the bio-based acrylic monomer are also provided. The invention further provided methods for making the monomer from bio-based triglycerides or fatty esters.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body providing structural support and defining a fuselage perimeter and including a plurality of bands, a plurality of antennas integrated into the plurality of bands, and a transceiver operatively connected to each of the plurality of antennas. The transceiver is configured to power selected sub-sets of the plurality of antennas to generate a directional antenna beam.

Abstract: Tricyclic compounds, including tricyclic iminodibenzylic and tricyclic iminostilbene compounds, are identified as therapeutic agents for inhibition of delta-5-desaturase (D5D) and for treating or preventing cancer and precancerous conditions, as well as autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and dietary supplements are provided, as are methods of administration and treatment.

Abstract: Rubber compounds incorporating plant oil-based materials, such as sucrose fatty acid esters (e.g., sucrose soyates), poly(vinyl ether) fatty acid esters, styrenated plant oils, styrenated plant oil-based polyesters and styrenated plant oil-based poly(vinyl ethers), and combinations thereof that contain plant oil-derived fatty acids are provided, together with methods of making and using said compounds. Also disclosed are rubber materials containing one or more of the plant oil-based compounds. Further disclosed are methods of making the plant oil-based compounds and methods of making rubber materials.

Abstract: Bio-derived glycerides formed from a reaction between waste glycerol and biodegradable or bio-derived fatty acid esters such as crude biodiesel or soybean oil triglycerides are useful as dust suppressants, binders, and stabilizing agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resin having a plurality of cyclic carbonate groups comprising the reaction product of: a) an epoxidized sucrose fatty acid ester resin, and b) carbon dioxide where a) and b) are reacted under conditions sufficient to carbonylate a plurality of the oxirane groups of the epoxidized sucrose fatty acid ester resin, and optionally in the presence of a catalyst or of a solvent. In one embodiment the epoxidized sucrose fatty acid ester resin is epoxidized sucrose soyate. The invention also relates to methods for producing a resin having a plurality of cyclic carbonate groups. In a method of the invention, an epoxidized sucrose fatty acid ester resin is contacted with carbon dioxide under conditions sufficient to carbonylate a plurality of the oxirane groups of the epoxidized sucrose fatty acid ester resin, and optionally in the presence of a catalyst or of a solvent.

Abstract: Methods for producing surface functionalized silicon nanoparticles like Si-QDs using a continuous gas-phase synthesis by direct pyrolysis of aerosolized higher order liquid silanes like cyclohexasilane (Si6H12) or cyclopentasilane (Si5H10) to produce nanoscale particles are provided. The methods permit control over the particle characteristics i.e., crystallinity, core-shell, size and surface chemistry of Si nanostructures and allow the tuning of the band gap (absorption) and manipulation of photo responsive properties. A wide variety of modifications can be performed using the hydrogen (H) or hydroxyl (OH) groups attached to silicon atoms on the particle surface. The coupling of different molecules or complexes directly to the silicon atoms of the particles allows the engineering of desirable optical, chemical or biological activity to the particles or can act as linkers to agglomerate particles or form porous films.

Abstract: Standalone and self-contained cooling systems using compressed liquid and/or gas C02 containers positioned in an insulated or non-insulated vessel and consisting of a specially designed unit where the containers are vertically positioned in an upright or upside-down position. The liquid and/or gas CO2 coolant is then released into capillary tube(s) embedded into a heat transfer plate or heat exchanger thus leveraging the C02 coolant properties. The temperature is controlled by a metering C02 releasing system encompassing an electronic control device which can be operated remotely and/or via a touch screen and which sends alerts when pre-defined thresholds are exceeded. The invention's metering C02 releasing system may be triggered by an electronic or a thermostatic valve or may be triggered manually or by an electronic solenoid. The invention's cooling system also encompasses check valves, which avoid liquid and/or gas C02 from escaping when removing or replacing C02 containers individually.

Abstract: A biodegradable soil sensor, a biodegradable soil sensing system and method for obtaining soil information is provided. The biodegradable sensor may include one or more electrically conductive bioinert traces and a biodegradable substrate having a printed circuit of the one or more electrically conductive bioinert traces. A biodegradable antenna may be formed by at least one of the one or more electrically conductive bioinert traces. A sensor may be connected to the one or more electrically conductive bioinert traces. The sensor may also include a biodegradable encapsulation layer housing the biodegradable substrate and the electrically conductive bioinert traces.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a plurality of capacitors each forming a portion of a vehicle structure, and a parallel electrical link between a pair of the plurality of capacitors, such that the pair of capacitors act as an aggregate capacitor.

Abstract: Compounds derived from biomass, e.g., cellulose and lignins, methods of forming such compounds and polymers and products formed using such compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus and a non-vapor-pressure dependent method of chemical vapor deposition of Si based materials using direct injection of liquid hydrosilane(s) are presented. Liquid silane precursor solutions may also include metal, non-metal or metalloid dopants, nanomaterials and solvents. An illustrative apparatus has a precursor solution and carrier gas system, atomizer and deposit head with interior chamber and a hot plate supporting the substrate. Atomized liquid silane precursor solutions and carrier gas moves through a confined reaction zone that may be heated and the aerosol and vapor are deposited on a substrate to form a thin film. The substrate may be heated prior to deposition. The deposited film may be processed further with thermal or laser processing.

Abstract: Electronic components are often assembled using robotic equipment, such as pick-and-place machines, that is not optimized for components such as ultra-thin semiconductor bare dice. Selective laser-assisted die transfer is described based on the unique blistering behavior of a multilayer dynamic release layer when irradiated by low energy focused laser pulse(s) in which the blister creates translation of the article being placed. Accurate placement results are provided with negligible lateral and angular displacement.

Abstract: Plant oil-based compounds are provided which possess both low viscosity and high reactive functionality. These compounds are useful in coating and composite applications, as well as related methods. Exemplary compounds can be produced by transesterification of a plant oil triglyceride with a nucleophile reactant, such as a vinyl-functional alcohol, to yield reactive fatty acid-containing monomers.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: Electronic components are often assembled using robotic equipment, such as pick-and-place machines, that is not optimized for components such as ultra-thin semiconductor bare dice. Selective laser-assisted die transfer is described based on the unique blistering behavior of a multilayer dynamic release layer when irradiated by low energy focused laser pulse(s) in which the blister creates translation of the article being placed. Accurate placement results are provided with negligible lateral and angular displacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyfunctional bio-based oligomer which is the reaction product of a) at least one epoxidized sucrose fatty acid ester resin; b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid selected from methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, crotonic acid, and mixtures thereof; c) at least one acid anhydride selected from acetic acid anhydride, acrylic acid anhydride, methacrylic acid anhydride, crotonic acid anhydride, and mixtures thereof; d) optionally, at least one catalyst; and e) optionally, at least one inhibitor. In a polyfunctional bio-based oligomer of the invention, the ratio of ethylenically unsaturated acid to acid anhydride ranges from 90:1 to 1:90; at least one epoxide group of the at least one epoxidized sucrose fatty acid ester resin is esterified by at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid; and at least one epoxide group of the at least one epoxidized sucrose fatty acid ester resin is esterified by at least one acid anhydride.

Abstract: Polyamide copolymers, and methods of making and using polyamide copolymers, having 2,5-furan dicarboxamide units are disclosed herein. Such polymers can be useful for engineering thermoplastics having advantageous physical and/or chemical properties.

Abstract: Photodegradable polymers derived from biomass are provided, together with methods of making and methods of using the polymers. The photodegradable polymers can be derived from at least a first monomeric unit and a second monomeric unit and an optional third monomeric unit. The first monomeric unit is a dicarboxylic acid and includes a furan group and the second monomeric unit includes a nitrobenzyl group. Methods of recycling the polymers including irradiating the polymers to yield recycled monomers and oligomers are also disclosed.