Abstract: Compositions, structures and methods that relate to films having switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity depending on ambient conditions, such as temperature. A film with switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity includes a nanostructured first layer having nanopillars associated with nanowells. A hydrogel occupies at least a portion of the nanowells. As the hydrogel moves from a dehydrated state to a hydrated state, the surface of the film switches from being reflective to being anti-reflective in a repeatable and reversible process.

Abstract: Nano structure patterning formation includes coating a part of a structural guide with a hydrophobic polymer, positioning the structural guide on a substrate, coating at least a part of the substrate with a film made of a block copolymer, and annealing the film made of the block copolymer to align the block copolymer.

Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques relating to a resistive heating device are provided.

Abstract: Nanoimprint molds for molding a surface of a material are provided. A nanoimprint mold includes a body with a molding surface that is formed by shaped nanopillars. The nanopillars may be formed on a substrate and shaped by performing at least a first partial oxidation of the nanopillars and then removing at least a portion of the oxidized material. Once shaped, a hard substance is deposited on the nanopillars to begin forming the molding surface of the nanoimprint mold. The deposition of a hard substance is followed by the deposition of carbon nanotube on the hard substance and then the removal of the substrate and nanopillars from the molding surface.

Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques relating to a resistive heating device are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying and sorting of different plastics rely on the differences in the surface polarity of the various plastics. A marking system may be used which provides markers that adhere specifically to only one type of plastic, and the adhering markers may then allow for a positive identification of the plastic. This type of system may be used for the identification and separation of polylactic acid plastics from various other plastics.

Abstract: Techniques for making nanowires with a desired diameter are provided. The nanowires can be grown from catalytic nanoparticles, wherein the nanowires can have substantially same diameter as the catalytic nanoparticles. Since the size or the diameter of the catalytic nanoparticles can be controlled in production of the nanoparticles, the diameter of the nanowires can be subsequently controlled as well. The catalytic nanoparticles are melted and provided with a gaseous precursor of the nanowires. When supersaturation of the catalytic nanoparticles with the gaseous precursor is reached, the gaseous precursor starts to solidify and form nanowires. The nanowires are separate from each other and not bind with each other to form a plurality of nanowires having the substantially uniform diameter.

Abstract: Nano structure patterning formation includes coating a part of a structural guide with a hydrophobic polymer, positioning the structural guide on a substrate, coating at least a part of the substrate with a film made of a block copolymer, and annealing the film made of the block copolymer to align the block copolymer.

Abstract: A method of making a porous membrane is disclosed. One such method optionally includes: forming a plurality of pillars in an array form over a substrate; and forming a layer with a mixture of a porous material precursor and a surfactant over the substrate. The method optionally includes removing the pillars to leave cavities in the layer; filling the cavities in the layer with a cavity filler; and removing the surfactant from the layer. The porous membrane can be used as, for example, a sieve for separating molecules from a chemical reaction.

Abstract: Compositions, systems and methods for using a nanoparticle composite to act as a valve within a microfluidic conduit to regulate fluid flow therethrough are provided. The nanoparticle composite includes a core having magnetic particles and Au particles and includes a hydrogel coating surrounding the core. The size of the nanoparticle composite is controlled by causing the hydrogel coating to lose water or absorb water, thus decreasing or increasing the size of the nanoparticle composite within the microfluidic conduit.

Abstract: A method for sorting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for sorting CNTs of the present disclosure comprises providing to a surface of a substrate, the surface modified with a trans isomer of photo-isomerization-reactive diazo compound, a dispersion containing a mixture of conducting CNTs and semiconducting CNTs; removing CNTs which are not associated with the modified surface from the surface; and irradiating the modified surface to detach the CNTs associated with the modified surface.

Abstract: Microparticles that encapsulate a fire extinguishing agent or combination of fire extinguishing agents, methods for preparing these microcapsules, methods for using such microcapsules, and articles of manufacture including at least one of such microparticles either in a coating or in a matrix that makes up a structural component of the article of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite structure and methods of making and using are provided. The composite structure includes at least one nanofiber having silicon-based material and at least one carbon nanotube associated with the nanofiber. The silicon-based material includes one or more of silicon carbide, silicon oxycarbide, silicon nitride and silicon oxide.

Abstract: Transparent structures, electrochromic devices, and methods for making such structures/devices are provided. A transparent structure may include a transparent substrate having a plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, at least one substance configured to block near-infrared or infrared radiation and partially cover at least substantial portions of the substrate and the plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, and at least one photocatalyst configured to at least partially cover an outermost surface of the transparent structure.

Abstract: A piezoelectric nanodevice may include a first substrate having formed thereon a multiple number of nanorods and a second substrate having formed thereon a multiple number of piezoelectric nanorods. The first substrate associates with the second substrate to generate friction between the nanorods of the first substrate and the piezoelectric nanorods of the second substrate.

Abstract: Core-shell nanoparticles having a core material and a mesoporous silica shell, and a method for manufacturing the core-shell nanoparticles are provided.

Abstract: Microparticles that encapsulate a fire extinguishing agent or combination of fire extinguishing agents, methods for preparing these microcapsules, methods for using such microcapsules, and articles of manufacture including at least one of such microparticles either in a coating or in a matrix that makes up a structural component of the article of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are reactive fibers having a polycationic exterior surface to which multivalent peroxy anions are bound. The use of such fibers, mats of such fibers, and filters of such fibers, as well as methods of treating fluid streams, and rejuvenating such fibers, mats and filters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating wood including providing wood having an outer layer, the outer layer including an acetylated wood cell wall; and applying a supercritical fluid mixture to the outer layer to form a treated wood, in which the supercritical fluid mixture includes a silicate precursor dissolved in a supercritical fluid, and in which the silicate precursor is attached to the acetylated wood cell wall in the treated wood is described. A glass fortified wood composition having: an acetylated wood cell wall; and a silicate precursor including a long chain alkyl group, in which the long chain alkyl group of the silicate precursor is embedded into the acetylated wood cell wall. A kit for treating wood is described including a silicate precursor; a supercritical fluid; and a catalyst capable of facilitating the formation of Si—O—Si linkages. The silicate precursor may be dissolved in the supercritical fluid.

Abstract: Methods of treating wood including modifying a cell wall of the wood to be positively charged to form a cationic wood cell wall; and contacting a negatively charged silicon layer to the cationic wood cell wall to form a barrier, wherein the negatively charged silicon layer includes a silicate ester group, a silinol group, a silicon oxide group or a combination thereof are described. Treated wood compositions including a wood structure having an outer layer including a wood cell having a cell wall attached to a silicon layer which includes a silicate ester group, a silinol group, a silicon oxide group or a combination thereof are also described.