Abstract: An apparatus for growing carbon nanostructures (CNSs) on a substrate can include at least two CNS growth zones with at least one intermediate zone disposed therebetween and a substrate inlet before the CNS growth zones sized to allow a spoolable length substrate to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A launch, recovery, and handling system includes a track system arranged on a deck of a ship and a stern door of the ship. The launch, recovery, and handling system also includes an aft cradle and a forward cradle that are connected to the track system and moveable in first and second directions along the track system. The aft cradle is moveable from a first position at a first area inside the ship to a second position on the stern door for at least one of launching and recovering a payload.

Abstract: A launch, recovery, and handling system includes a track system arranged on a deck of a ship and a stern door of the ship. The launch, recovery, and handling system also includes an aft cradle and a forward cradle that are connected to the track system and moveable in first and second directions along the track system. The aft cradle is moveable from a first position at a first area inside the ship to a second position on the stern door for at least one of launching and recovering a payload.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular transporting system and related components which can efficiently and effectively move containers and other items is disclosed. The transport system includes a plurality of track components structured to mate with one another by a complementary male connection and female connection at ends thereof. The transport system further includes at least one hub component comprising a rotating track assembly which aligns with male and female track assemblies connected to at least one of the track components. The transport system further includes a plurality of truck assemblies engagable to the plurality of track components and the rotating track of at least one hub component.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular transporting system and related components which can efficiently and effectively move containers and other items is disclosed. The transport system includes a plurality of track components structured to mate with one another by a complementary male connection and female connection at ends thereof. The transport system further includes at least one hub component comprising a rotating track assembly which aligns with male and female track assemblies connected to at least one of the track components. The transport system further includes a plurality of truck assemblies engagable to the plurality of track components and the rotating track of at least one hub component.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn or sheet and a plurality of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) infused to a surface of the CNT yarn or sheet, wherein the CNSs are disposed substantially radially from the surface of the CNT yarn or outwardly from the sheet. Such compositions can be used in various combinations in composite articles.

Abstract: Carbon nanostructure growth on a substrate can be evaluated by visual imaging techniques. Methods for imaging carbon nanostructures on a substrate can include providing a plurality of carbon nanostructures infused to a substrate; acquiring an image of the plurality of carbon nanostructures while they are infused to the substrate; converting the image of the plurality of carbon nanostructures into a binary image, the binary image comprising a carbon nanostructure/substrate portion and an extraneous portion; and correlating the carbon nanostructure/substrate portion of the binary image with an amount of carbon nanostructures infused to the substrate. An illustrative substrate can be one or more fibers onto which carbon nanostructures are infused.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing carbon nanostructures (CNSs) on a substrate can include at least two CNS growth zones with at least one intermediate zone disposed therebetween and a substrate inlet before the CNS growth zones sized to allow a spoolable length substrate to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn or sheet and a plurality of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) infused to a surface of the CNT yarn or sheet, wherein the CNSs are disposed substantially radially from the surface of the CNT yarn or outwardly from the sheet. Such compositions can be used in various combinations in composite articles.

Abstract: A fiber sizing formulation includes (1) a nanoparticle (NP)solution that includes a dispersion of transition metal nanoparticles (NPs) in a solvent and (2) a first fiber sizing agent. The NPs disperse throughout the first fiber sizing agent after application of the fiber sizing formulation to a fiber and removal of the solvent. The NPs serve a function selected from a secondary sizing agent, a catalyst for further nanostructure growth on the fiber, and combinations thereof. A fiber includes a sizing disposed about the fiber. The sizing includes transition metal nanoparticles dispersed throughout the sizing. A method includes applying the sizing formulation to a fiber during manufacture of the fiber, and removing the solvent from the applied formulation. A method includes adding a solution of transition metal NPs to a sizing-coated fiber and baking, whereby the sizing solution of NPs is added before baking the sizing.

Abstract: A method includes: (a) conformally depositing a barrier coating, provided in liquid form, on at least one surface of a substrate; (b) embedding a plurality of nanoparticles in the barrier coating to a selected depth; and (c) fully curing the barrier coating after embedding the plurality of nanoparticles; the embedded plurality of nanoparticles are in continuous contact with the cured barrier coating. The order in which the barrier coating and nanoparticles are deposited on the substrate can be switched or they can be deposited simultaneously. An article includes a substrate having a cured barrier coating conformally disposed on at least one surface of the substrate and a plurality of nanoparticles embedded to a selected depth in the barrier coating creating an embedded portion of each of the plurality of nanoparticles. The embedded portion of each of the plurality of nanoparticles in continuous contact with the cured barrier coating.

Abstract: A continuous, plasma-based process for the production of carbon-nanotube-infused fibers is disclosed.