Patents by Inventor Enrique V. Barrera
Enrique V. Barrera has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10273347Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the reinforcement, repair, and strengthening of materials through the application of innovative, nanoparticle-based compositions to substrate materials, including but not limited to glass and ceramic. In some embodiments, the present invention produces a strengthened laminate. The compositions of this invention accomplish such ends by employing nanoparticles and use other components that work with the nanoparticles to enable advanced multifunctional properties in treated materials. This invention also enhances the initial tack and adhesion properties of materials to polymer coatings, materials to film, materials to other materials, and film to film. At least one embodiment concerns an improved process for making the compositions.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: C-Bond Systems, LLCInventors: Enrique V. Barrera, Liehui Ge, Santoshkumar Biradar, Paul H. Brogan, Bruce E. Rich
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Publication number: 20160046823Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the reinforcement, repair, and strengthening of materials through the application of innovative, nanoparticle-based compositions to substrate materials, including but not limited to glass and ceramic. In some embodiments, the present invention produces a strengthened laminate. The compositions of this invention accomplish such ends by employing nanoparticles and use other components that work with the nanoparticles to enable advanced multifunctional properties in treated materials. This invention also enhances the initial tack and adhesion properties of materials to polymer coatings, materials to film, materials to other materials, and film to film. At least one embodiment concerns an improved process for making the compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Applicant: C-BOND SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Enrique V. Barrera, Liehui Ge, Santoshkumar Biradar, Paul H. Brogan, Bruce E. Rich
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Publication number: 20140322514Abstract: An electrical conductor is described that includes a plurality of nano-scale material elements and a resin matrix, wherein the nano-scale material elements are aligned within the resin matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: James P. Huang, Namsoo P. Kim, Enrique V. Barrera, Chris A. Lundberg
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Patent number: 8813352Abstract: A method for fabricating a conductor includes providing a plurality of conductive nano-scale material elements, dispersing the nano-scale material elements within a resin to provide a resin-nano-scale material mixture, aligning the nano-scale material elements within the resin-nano-scale material mixture, and curing the resin-nano-scale material mixture.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James P. Huang, Namsoo P. Kim, Enrique V. Barrera, Chris A. Lundberg
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Patent number: 8809979Abstract: The present invention involves the interaction of radiation with functionalized carbon nanotubes that have been incorporated into various host materials, particularly polymeric ones. The present invention is directed to chemistries, methods, and apparatuses which exploit this type of radiation interaction, and to the materials which result from such interactions. The present invention is also directed toward the time dependent behavior of functionalized carbon nanotubes in such composite systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Enrique V. Barrera, Richard Wilkins, Meisha Shofner, Merlyn X. Pulikkathara, Ranjii Vaidyanathan
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Publication number: 20140084219Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to carbon nanotube fibers that include one or more fiber threads. In some embodiments, the fiber threads include doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes, such as doped double-walled carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotubes are functionalized with one or more functional groups. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers are doped with various dopants, such as iodine and antimony pentafluoride. In various embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers of the present invention can include a plurality of intertwined fiber threads that are twisted in a parallel configuration with one another. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers include a plurality of fiber threads that are tied to one another in a serial configuration. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers of the present invention are also coated with one or more polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Yao Zhao, Jinquan Wei, Padraig G. Moloney, Pulickel M. Ajayan, Enrique V. Barrera
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Patent number: 8663495Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present provides a heat transfer medium that includes, but is not limited to a base fluid, a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes, and a gelling formulation formed of an amine surfactant, an intercalating agent, and an oxygen-bearing solvent. The heat transfer medium is adapted for improved thermal conductivity with respect to the base fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Bertha Catalina Rostro, Enrique V. Barrera
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Patent number: 8541322Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of functionalizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), particularly single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), with organosilane species, wherein such functionalization enables fabrication of advanced polymer composites. The present invention is also directed toward the functionalized CNTs, advanced CNT-polymer composites made with such functionalized CNTs, and methods of making such advanced CNT-polymer composites.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Enrique V. Barrera, Jiang Zhu, Lei Zhang, Valery N. Khabashesku, Jong Dae Kim, Mary Lou Margrave
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Publication number: 20130108826Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides method of forming composites. Such methods generally comprise: (1) applying carbon nanotubes onto a system, wherein the system comprises at least one of an electric field or a magnetic field, and wherein the at least one electric field or magnetic field unidirectionally aligns the carbon nanotubes; and (2) applying a polymer onto the carbon nanotubes while the carbon nanotubes are unidirectionally aligned by the at least one electric field or magnetic field. The application of the polymer onto the carbon nanotubes forms composites that comprise unidirectionally aligned carbon nanotubes embedded in the polymer. In further embodiments, the present invention provides polymer composites formed by the methods of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Divya Kannan Chakravarthi, Ahmad Salman, Enrique V. Barrera, Michael T. Searfass, Kyle Kissell
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Patent number: 8187703Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of integrating carbon nanotubes into epoxy polymer composites via chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes, and to the carbon nanotube-epoxy polymer composites produced by such methods. Integration is enhanced through improved dispersion and/or covalent bonding with the epoxy matrix during the curing process. In general, such methods involve the attachment of chemical moieties (i.e., functional groups) to the sidewall and/or end-cap of carbon nanotubes such that the chemical moieties react with either the epoxy precursor(s) or the curing agent(s) (or both) during the curing process. Additionally, in some embodiments, these or additional chemical moieties can function to facilitate dispersion of the carbon nanotubes by decreasing the van der Waals attractive forces between the nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Jiang Zhu, Valery N. Khabashesku, Haiqing Peng, Enrique V. Barrera, John L. Margrave, Mary Lou Margrave, legal representative
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Patent number: 8062748Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of fully integrating CNTs and the surrounding polymer matrix in CNT/polymer composites. In some such embodiments, such integration comprises interfacial covalent bonding between the CNTs and the polymer matrix. In some such embodiments, such interfacial covalent bonding is provided by a free radical reaction initiated during processing. In some such embodiments, such free radical initiation can be provided by benzoyl peroxide. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to CNT/polymer composite systems, wherein the CNTs within such systems are covalently integrated with the polymer. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to articles of manufacture made from such CNT/polymer composite systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Valery N. Khabashesku, Enrique V. Barrera, Daneesh McIntosh, Laura Peña-Paras
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Publication number: 20110201764Abstract: The present invention is directed to new methods for combining, processing, and modifying existing materials, resulting in novel products with enhanced mechanical, electrical and electronic properties. The present invention provides for polymer/carbon nanotube composites with increased strength and toughness; beneficial for lighter and/or stronger structural components for terrestrial and aerospace applications, electrically and thermally conductive polymer composites, and electrostatic dissipative materials. Such composites rely on a molecular interpenetration between entangled single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and cross-linked polymers to a degree not possible with previous processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Constantine D. Armeniades, Enrique V. Barrera, Jong Dae Kim
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Patent number: 7938991Abstract: The present invention is directed to new methods for combining, processing, and modifying existing materials, resulting in novel products with enhanced mechanical, electrical and electronic properties. The present invention provides for polymer/carbon nanotube composites with increased strength and toughness; beneficial for lighter and/or stronger structural components for terrestrial and aerospace applications, electrically and thermally conductive polymer composites, and electrostatic dissipative materials. Such composites rely on a molecular interpenetration between entangled single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and cross-linked polymers to a degree not possible with previous processes.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Constantine D. Armeniades, Enrique V. Barrera, Jong Dae Kim
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Patent number: 7897248Abstract: A method of forming a composite of embedded nanofibers in a polymer matrix is disclosed. The method includes incorporating nanofibers in a plastic matrix forming agglomerates, and uniformly distributing the nanofibers by exposing the agglomerates to hydrodynamic stresses. The hydrodynamic said stresses force the agglomerates to break apart. In combination or additionally elongational flow is used to achieve small diameters and alignment. A nanofiber reinforced polymer composite system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of nanofibers that are embedded in polymer matrices in micron size fibers. A method for producing nanotube continuous fibers is disclosed. Nanofibers are fibrils with diameters of 100 nm, multiwall nanotubes, single wall nanotubes and their various functionalized and derivatized forms. The method includes mixing a nanofiber in a polymer; and inducing an orientation of the nanofibers that enables the nanofibers to be used to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Enrique V. Barrera, Fernando J. Rodriguez-Macias, Karen Lozano, Luis Paulo Felipe Chibante, David Harris Stewart
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Patent number: 7744844Abstract: The present invention involves the interaction of radiation with functionalized carbon nanotubes that have been incorporated into various host materials, particularly polymeric ones. The present invention is directed to chemistries, methods, and apparatuses which exploit this type of radiation interaction, and to the materials which result from such interactions. The present invention is also directed toward the time dependent behavior of functionalized carbon nanotubes in such composite systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Enrique V. Barrera, Richard Wilkins, Meisha Shofner, Merlyn X. Pulikkathara, Ranjii Vaidyanathan
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Publication number: 20100143701Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of integrating carbon nanotubes into epoxy polymer composites via chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes, and to the carbon nanotube-epoxy polymer composites produced by such methods. Integration is enhanced through improved dispersion and/or covalent bonding with the epoxy matrix during the curing process. In general, such methods involve the attachment of chemical moieties (i.e., functional groups) to the sidewall and/or end-cap of carbon nanotubes such that the chemical moieties react with either the epoxy precursor(s) or the curing agent(s) (or both) during the curing process. Additionally, in some embodiments, these or additional chemical moieties can function to facilitate dispersion of the carbon nanotubes by decreasing the van der Waals attractive forces between the nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Jiang Zhu, Valery N. Khabashesku, Haiqing Peng, Enrique V. Barrera, John L. Margrave, Mary Lou Margrave
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Patent number: 7730547Abstract: The present invention is directed toward devices comprising carbon nanotubes that are capable of detecting displacement, impact, stress, and/or strain in materials, methods of making such devices, methods for sensing/detecting/monitoring displacement, impact, stress, and/or strain via carbon nanotubes, and various applications for such methods and devices. The devices and methods of the present invention all rely on mechanically-induced electronic perturbations within the carbon nanotubes to detect and quantify such stress/strain. Such detection and quantification can rely on techniques which include, but are not limited to, electrical conductivity/conductance and/or resistivity/resistance detection/measurements, thermal conductivity detection/measurements, electroluminescence detection/measurements, photoluminescence detection/measurements, and combinations thereof. All such techniques rely on an understanding of how such properties change in response to mechanical stress and/or strain.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Enrique V. Barrera, Satish Nagarajaiah, Prasad Dharap, Li Zhiling, Jong Dae Kim
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Publication number: 20100113696Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of fully integrating CNTs and the surrounding polymer matrix in CNT/polymer composites. In some such embodiments, such integration comprises interfacial covalent bonding between the CNTs and the polymer matrix. In some such embodiments, such interfacial covalent bonding is provided by a free radical reaction initiated during processing. In some such embodiments, such free radical initiation can be provided by benzoyl peroxide. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to CNT/polymer composite systems, wherein the CNTs within such systems are covalently integrated with the polymer. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to articles of manufacture made from such CNT/polymer composite systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Valery N. Khabashesku, Enrique V. Barrera, Daneesh McIntosh, Laura Peña-Paras
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Publication number: 20100015002Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a new composition of matter. Such a composition generally comprises a functionalized single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) which is coated with a metal that would not react with carbon at elevated temperatures. The metal-coated tube is incorporated into a metal matrix that could potentially form carbides. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of making such compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Enrique V. Barrera, Yildiz Bayazitoglu, Kenneth Wilson
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Patent number: 7601421Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of integrating carbon nanotubes into epoxy polymer composites via chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes, and to the carbon nanotube-epoxy polymer composites produced by such methods. Integration is enhanced through improved dispersion and/or covalent bonding with the epoxy matrix during the curing process. In general, such methods involve the attachment of chemical moieties (i.e., functional groups) to the sidewall and/or end-cap of carbon nanotubes such that the chemical moieties react with either the epoxy precursor(s) or the curing agent(s) (or both) during the curing process. Additionally, in some embodiments, these or additional chemical moieties can function to facilitate dispersion of the carbon nanotubes by decreasing the van der Waals attractive forces between the nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Valery N. Khabashesku, Jiang Zhu, Haiqing Peng, Enrique V. Barrera, John L. Margrave, Mary Lou Margrave, legal representative