Abstract: The invention provides a system for the preshearing based control of the flow and deformation behavior, i.e., the setting kinetics, and the time dependent shear viscosity, elasticity of aqueous cementitious suspensions that can be used for bone repair and regeneration. The dynamic cement microstructure is tailored to the demands of the surgical tasks (faster/slower setting) or additive manufacturing tasks (lower/higher viscosity) by application of various preshearing conditions. Since the relationships between the preshearing and pressurization conditions and the setting kinetics and the time dependent changes in elasticity and viscosity are complex, a priori characterization of viscoelastic properties using the advanced rheological characterization technique of small-amplitude oscillatory rheometry is needed to enable such tailoring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for producing polymer gels useful in the fabrication of organic cells. The method includes mixing poly(3-hexylthiophene) with phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester and solvent to form a first solution, where the poly(3-hexylthiophene) includes at least some regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene). The first solution is then cooled to a specified temperature to induce gelation to form an at least partially gelled solution that can be deposited onto a surface to form a coated surface. At least one or more steps of the method can occur as an extrusion process carried out in a twin-screw or single-screw extruder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for producing polymer gels useful in the fabrication of organic cells. The method includes mixing poly(3-hexylthiophene) with phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester and solvent to form a first solution, where the poly(3-hexylthiophene) includes at least some regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene). The first solution is then cooled to a specified temperature to induce gelation to form an at least partially gelled solution that can be deposited onto a surface to form a coated surface. At least one or more steps of the method can occur as an extrusion process carried out in a twin-screw or single-screw extruder.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for the preshearing based control of the flow and deformation behavior, i.e., the setting kinetics, and the time dependent shear viscosity, elasticity of aqueous cementitious suspensions that can be used for bone repair and regeneration. The dynamic cement microstructure is tailored to the demands of the surgical tasks (faster/slower setting) or additive manufacturing tasks (lower/higher viscosity) by application of various preshearing conditions. The relationships between the preshearing and pressurization conditions and the setting kinetics and the time dependent changes in elasticity and viscosity are complex and characterization of viscoelastic properties using advanced rheological characterization techniques including small-amplitude oscillatory and steady torsional rheometry is needed a priori to enable such tailoring.

Abstract: In a pretreatment process for lignocellulosic biomass, lignin is separated from cellulose by a reactive extrusion process with flowability control of the biomass suspension. Flowability control via incorporation of flowability control agents renders biomass suspensions processable using equipment in which relatively high shearing stresses and pressures can be applied. In one embodiment, particulate cellulosic biomass is added to a fully-intermeshing twin-screw extruder with pH adjusters, water and flowability control agents. Upon the incorporation of the flowability control agent, the biomass suspension flows without phase separation and thus can be subjected to high mechanical shearing stresses and chemical reaction in the extruder. The screw configuration creates multiple mixing zones within the confines of the extruder. The flowability control agent may be a water-soluble polymer that allows a hydrogel to be formed or may be a recycled portion of the black liquor from the reactive extrusion process.

Abstract: Methods of making cross sectional, functionally-graded munitions propellants exhibiting various distributions of particle concentrations and burn rate, including having a fast burning core and slower burning outer layer(s). Unlike prior art methods of preparing such munitions, propellants prepared according to our inventive method(s) may be performed substantially as a single extrusion step or as a few processing steps, without requiring the time, expense and/or difficulties that characterized familiar, laminating methods and methods which use multiple extruders. Our inventive method advantageously employs a demixing phenomenon that, prior to our inventive application and teaching, has been considered quite undesirable in the preparation of propellants where uniformity and well-mixedness have been propellant attributes widely sought after.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing chromium in a chromite ore processing residue (COPR) comprises the steps of adding an acid to consume the excess alkalinity of the COPR, resulting in a pH of less than 10; and adding a chemical reductant to the COPR to convert any hexavalent chromium present to trivalent chromium. A source of sulfate may be added to the COPR to reduce heave potential and improve its geotechnical stability. Treated COPR may be encapsulated in a material suitable to prevent contact between the COPR and water, such as an asphalt.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an X-ray source (112), a monochromator (118), a goniometer (170), a position sensitive detector (150), a mechanism to rock or rotate the sample or the X-ray source and computer means (160) for interpreting the data obtained at the position sensitive detector. The method of the present invention includes the steps of generating an X-ray; narrowing the wavelength of the X-ray beam; allowing the particles to diffract the beam; detecting the diffracted beam with a position sensitive detector, collecting the diffraction data from individual particles; rocking or rotating the specimen or the X-ray source for successive times to cover the angular range of reflection of the particles; compilation of the diffraction data in the computer memory to construct the intensity profile for the individual particles; and interpreting the data to determine particle size and particle size distribution.

Abstract: The method of power transmission and distribution aims to mitigate the magnetic fields generated at a right of way and at distances which extend beyond the right of way. The transmission and distribution lines use various line parameters including the relative locations of the conductors around the axis of symmetry of the right of way, the current magnitudes and the phase angles of the currents flowing in the conductors in optimum asymmetric fashion. The use of magnetic field mitigation bodies placed adjacent to the current bearing conductors increases the scope and the effectiveness of the mitigation. A mitigation technique is also provided for mitigating the magnetic field generated by current bearing sources used in power distribution, with unknown or difficult to characterize current distributions, such as transformers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mitigation of magnetic fields from magnetic field sources operating at low frequencies, typically less than 100 KHZ, are provided. The method is based on placing magnetic bodies of proper shape, size and physical properties close to the source of the magnetic field to cancel or reduce the magnetic field at desired sites, located away from the source. The method is applicable to mitigating all sources of magnetic fields including those generated by electric power lines, transformers, various tools, electronic devices and appliances. The apparatus, an application of the method to electric power transmission lines, consists of body of magnetic material disposed adjacent to at least one conductor of a multi-line electric power transmission system.

Abstract: An improved rheometer of the present invention includes an adjustable gap through which a flowing system is forced. The inner cavity dimension of the gap is variable so as to give a user of the rheometer an ability to vary the separation gap and the length over diameter ratio. This, in turn, allows the user to determine the shear rate and shear stress along the wall of the cavity for varying deformation rates. Thus, the shear viscosity of the flowing system can be characterized for non-Newtonian systems without varying the volumetric flow rate. One of the preferred embodiments of the adjustable gap rheometer is a slit rheometer in which the flowing system is forced through a slit having generally more length than width and more width than gap. The slit rheometer is made adjustable by holding the body of the rheometer stationary while moving an adjustable wall which forms one of the sides of the slit.