Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to a resin including nanoparticles including surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying alkyl groups. The present invention provides a resin component that includes a curable resin. The resin component also includes nanoparticles dispersed in the resin. The nanoparticles each independently include surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups. At least one of the (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups is a (C1-C50)alkyl group and at least one of the surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups is a (C6-C50)aryl group.

Abstract: Provided are curable compositions that include an epoxy resin; a 9,9-bis(aminophenyl)fluorene or derivative therefrom; and core shell particles, each comprising an elastomeric core and a polymeric outer shell layer coated on the elastomeric core. The core shell particles can be at least partially aggregated with each other, include polymeric intermediate layers between the core and outer shell layers, and/or have a multimodal particle diameter distribution. The curable compositions may also optionally include inorganic sub-micron particles dispersed in the curable composition, the inorganic sub-micron particles having surface-bonded organic groups that compatibilize the inorganic sub-micron particles and the epoxy resin.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to a resin including nanoparticles including surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying alkyl groups. The present invention provides a resin component that includes a curable resin. The resin component also includes nanoparticles dispersed in the resin. The nanoparticles each independently include surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups. At least one of the (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups is a (C1-C50)alkyl group and at least one of the surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups is a (C6-C50)aryl group.

Abstract: A nanocomposite is provided including layered nanoparticles and a dispersant dispersed in a curable resin, where the nanocomposite contains less than 2% by weight solvent. A composite is also provided including from about 1 to 70 weight percent of layered nanoparticles, and a dispersant, dispersed in a cured resin, and a filler embedded in the cured resin. Further, a method of preparing a nanoparticle-containing curable resin system is provided including mixing from 1 to 70 weight percent of aggregated layered nanoparticles with a curable resin and a dispersant to form a mixture. The mixture contains less than 2% by weight solvent. The method also includes milling the mixture in an immersion mill containing milling media to form a milled resin system including layered nanoparticles dispersed in the curable resin.

Abstract: A nanocomposite is provided including layered nanoparticles and a dispersant dispersed in a curable resin, where the nanocomposite contains less than 2% by weight solvent. A composite is also provided including from about 1 to 70 weight percent of layered nanoparticles, and a dispersant, dispersed in a cured resin, and a filler embedded in the cured resin. Further, a method of preparing a nanoparticle-containing curable resin system is provided including mixing from 1 to 70 weight percent of aggregated layered nanoparticles with a curable resin and a dispersant to form a mixture. The mixture contains less than 2% by weight solvent. The method also includes milling the mixture in an immersion mill containing milling media to form a milled resin system including layered nanoparticles dispersed in the curable resin.

Abstract: Compositions comprising surface-modified nanocalcite particles dispersed in a curable resin, and to coatings and fibrous composites incorporating such compositions are described. The surface-modifying agents include a binding group ionically associated with the calcite and a compatiblizing segment, compatible with the curable resin. The surface-modifying agent may also include a reactive group capable of reacting with the curable resin. Methods of preparing nanocalcite composites and coating a fibrous composites prepared from such nanocalcite composites are also described.

Abstract: A method of making a filled resin includes providing functionalized particles; and combining and homogenously mixing the functionalized particles with an organic matrix in a vacuum kneader to provide the filled resin so that the functionalized particles comprise at least about 20% by weight of the filled resin. The step of providing functionalized particles can also include providing a feedstock of (i) untreated particles, (ii) a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and (iii) solvent, and directing the feedstock through a continuous reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours; and directing the functionalized particles from the continuous reactor directly into the vacuum kneader. In another aspect, the a finished resin comprises at least about 20% by weight of functionalized particles in an organic matrix.

Abstract: Compositions comprising surface-modified nanocalcite particles dispersed in a curable resin, and to coatings and fibrous composites incorporating such compositions are described. The surface-modifying agents include a binding group ionically associated with the calcite and a compatiblizing segment, compatible with the curable resin. The surface-modifying agent may also include a reactive group capable of reacting with the curable resin. Methods of preparing nanocalcite composites and coating a fibrous composites prepared from such nanocalcite composites are also described.

Abstract: A method of making a filled resin includes providing functionalized particles; and combining and homogenously mixing the functionalized particles with an organic matrix in a vacuum kneader to provide the filled resin so that the functionalized particles comprise at least about 20% by weight of the filled resin. The step of providing functionalized particles can also include providing a feedstock of (i) untreated particles, (ii) a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and (iii) solvent, and directing the feedstock through a continuous reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours; and directing the functionalized particles from the continuous reactor directly into the vacuum kneader. In another aspect, the a finished resin comprises at least about 20% by weight of functionalized particles in an organic matrix.

Abstract: In general the disclosure relates to manufacturing methods for producing conductive patterns on flexible substrates. For example, a layer of a metal powder composition is deposited onto an adhesive overlaying a substrate. Pressure is applied to the metal powder composition on the adhesive coated substrate web by a die having one or more projections, in order to reproduce a pattern on the substrate. The metal powder is compressed by the projections of the die, thereby densifying the powder and causing it to adhere to the adhesive in a reproduction of the die pattern. The metal powder does not adhere substantially in uncompressed regions, and may be removed. In this manner, a metal powder composition may be densified and adhered to a substrate forming a web of flexible circuit elements, for example, circuit elements such as antennas, resistors, capacitors, inductive coils, conduction pads and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides electronic articles and methods of making said articles. The electronic articles comprise an electronic component bonded and electrically connected to a substrate using an underfill adhesive comprising the reaction product of a thermosetting resin, curing catalyst, and surface-treated nanoparticles that are substantially spherical, non-agglomerated, amorphous, and solid.

Abstract: The invention provides electronic articles and methods of making said articles. The electronic articles comprise an electronic component bonded and electrically connected to a substrate using an underfill adhesive comprising the reaction product of a thermosetting resin, curing catalyst, and surface-treated nanoparticles that are substantially spherical, non-agglomerated, amorphous, and solid.

Abstract: The invention provides electronic articles and methods of making said articles. The electronic articles comprise an electronic component bonded and electrically connected to a substrate using an underfill adhesive comprising the reaction product of a thermosetting resin, curing catalyst, and surface-treated nanoparticles that are substantially spherical, non-agglomerated, amorphous, and solid.

Abstract: Curable epoxy resin compositions, preferably solvent-free, wherein a fluorene amine curative is partially melt dissolved and partially dispersed as a solid in at least one aromatic polyepoxide. The compositions provide prepregs which exhibit tack with surprisingly good shelf life properties. Cured composites comprising the prepregs are also provided. The cured composites exhibit little resin migration and glass transition temperatures that are comparable to those of cured neat resins.

Abstract: Curable epoxy resin compositions, preferably solvent-free, wherein a fluorene amine curative is partially melt dissolved and partially dispersed as a solid in at least one aromatic polyepoxide. The compositions provide prepregs which exhibit tack with surprisingly good shelf life properties. Cured composites comprising the prepregs are also provided. The cured composites exhibit little resin migration and glass transition temperatures that are comparable to those of cured neat resins.

Abstract: Curable epoxy resin compositions, preferably solvent-free, wherein a fluorene amine curative is partially melt dissolved and partially dispersed as a solid in at least one aromatic polyepoxide. The compositions provide prepregs which exhibit tack with surprisingly good shelf life properties. Cured composites comprising the prepregs are also provided. The cured composites exhibit little resin migration and glass transition temperatures that are comparable to those of cured neat resins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resin transfer molding preform binder resin that comprises at least one aromatic polyepoxide, a fluorene epoxide that is different than the aromatic polyepoxide and having a defined structure, and a 9,9-bis(aminophenyl)fluorene curing agent. The binder resin is a solid, room temperature stable, essentially nonsintering powder that displays a glass transition temperature greater than about 40.degree. C. Also disclosed are preforms made with the binder resin and a method for preparing the preforms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resin transfer molding preform binder resin that comprises at least one aromatic polyepoxide, a fluorene epoxide that is different than the aromatic polyepoxide and having a defined structure, and a 9,9-bis(aminophenyl)fluorene curing agent. The binder resin is a solid, room temperature stable, essentially nonsintering powder that displays a glass transition temperature greater than about 40.degree. C. Also disclosed are preforms made with the binder resin and a method for preparing the preforms.