Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating three-dimensional (3D) objects. The methods may comprise generating a green part corresponding to the 3D object. The green part may comprise a plurality of particles and reactants for conducting a self-propagating reaction. The reactants may be used to conduct a self-propagating reaction that generates heat sufficient to de-bind or pre-sinter the green part. External heat may be supplied to the green part to sinter the plurality of particles, thereby yielding the 3D object. The disclosure also provides methods for generating a 3D object using a resin. The methods may comprise using the resin to generate a green part, heating the green part at a first temperature to decompose a binder in the green part, heating the green part at a second temperature to decompose a polymeric material in the green part, and sintering the green part to yield the 3D object.

Abstract: A process for in situ functionalization of graphene including placing a graphitic precursor in an exfoliation cannister with exfoliation media; creating an inert atmosphere in the exfoliation cannister; exfoliating the graphitic precursor to form graphene having carboxyl moieties; and reacting the carboxyl moieties in the exfoliation cannister under conditions, such as a temperature of between 260 and 500° C., and in the presence of a substance to chemically reduce or react the carboxyl moieties during the exfoliating to produce hydrophobic graphene. Additionally, a process of molding an article including intermixing a thermoplastic in a molten state with hydrophobic graphene produced by an in situ functionalization process to form a dispersion of the hydrophobic graphene in the thermoplastic; injecting a melt of the dispersion of the hydrophobic graphene in the thermoplastic into a mold having a cavity complementary to the article; and allowing the melt to cool to form the article.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating three-dimensional (3D) objects. The methods may comprise generating a green part corresponding to the 3D object. The green part may comprise a plurality of particles and reactants for conducting a self-propagating reaction. The reactants may be used to conduct a self-propagating reaction that generates heat sufficient to de-bind or pre-sinter the green part. External heat may be supplied to the green part to sinter the plurality of particles, thereby yielding the 3D object. The disclosure also provides methods for generating a 3D object using a resin. The methods may comprise using the resin to generate a green part, heating the green part at a first temperature to decompose a binder in the green part, heating the green part at a second temperature to decompose a polymeric material in the green part, and sintering the green part to yield the 3D object.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions for use in nuclear applications that exhibit long-lasting protection from degradation in the presence of oxygen (e.g., air) and high energy radiation, even when utilized in high temperature applications are described. The polymeric compositions include a particulate additive that incorporates a zinc-based solid-state antioxidant. The antioxidant can be a binary or ternary zinc-based material that can include one or more additional metals and optionally can include oxygen.

Abstract: A processes and precursor are provided for use in selective laser sintering (SLS) that can create uniform packing densities that create good prints of 3D articles with a decrease in voids and incomplete infill. The resulting articles are electrically conductivity owing to a graphene coating thereby rendering such articles amenable to electroplating, or electrostatic coating processes. The process and precursor provide small diameter filled polymeric materials for 3D printing that are commercially viable to produce an article in a cost effective manner that has superior properties compared to conventional parts owing to reduced void volume and less residual inter-particle stress. The distribution of particles is spherical in shape and have a mean size polydispersity that varies by less than ±5% in diameter. As a result of the control of polydispersity, the particles have the attribute of spontaneously forming closed packed arrangements common to crystals.