Abstract: The disclosed exemplary apparatuses, systems and methods provide a three-dimensional foam molding, produced via a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process in which regions of respective layers of pulverant are selectively melted via introduction of electromagnetic energy. These apparatuses, systems and methods may include layers of the pulverant comprising at least thermoplastic polyurethane polymer (TPU) coated upon a base particle, wherein the TPU is coated via one of spray drying and a fluidized vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for printing a three-dimensional object. The system can include at least one nozzle assembly configured to receive a continuous fiber and at least partially encase the continuous fiber with a polymer material to create a composite material. The nozzle assembly can also include a liquefier assembly that is operable coupled to a nozzle, which is configured to allow for the controlled deposit of the composite material while minimizing or eliminating tension exerted on the continuous fiber.

Abstract: An active chemistry capable of being combined with a carrier to produce a coating for fertilizer or other granular or compacted products, where the coating is capable of being applied at ambient temperature and is capable of reducing moisture adsorption and caking of the granular product. The active chemistry may be a functionalized polymer such as maleic anhydride/acid (from maleic anhydride), itaconic acid, diisobutylene, methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylates (i.e. butyl acrylate), hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, 3-allyloxy-1,2-propanediol acrylic acid, acrylamide, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Stable suspensions of silica particles in water-immiscible polar organic liquids are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods systems and compositions of a fracturing fluid comprising an associative polymer and clay nanoparticles. A method may comprise: providing a fracturing fluid comprising: a carrier fluid; an associative polymer; and clay nanoparticles; and injecting the fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at or above a fracture gradient.

Abstract: A method for producing a coated proppant having an intermediate cross-linked terpolymer layer includes mixing a monomers solution including a first monomer, a second monomer that is different from the first monomer, a cross-linking agent, and an initiator. The proppant particle is combined with the monomers solution, and the monomer solution on the surface of the at least one proppant particle is polymerized to form at least one proppant particle having the intermediate cross-linked terpolymer layer on a surface of the at least one proppant particle. A resin solution including an epoxy resin, a curing agent, and graphene is mixed, and combined with the at least one proppant particle having the intermediate cross-linked terpolymer layer on a surface of the at least one proppant particle. The resin solution is cured to form the coated proppant comprising an intermediate cross-linked terpolymer layer.

Abstract: Bitumen that is solid at ambient temperature in the form of granules that include a core made of a first bituminous material and a coating made of a second bituminous material, the second bituminous material having a total content of asphaltenes, extracted using n-alkane, of 30% to 50% by weight in relation to the total weight of the bitumen in the coating.

Abstract: A polymeric hydrogel microparticle that contains polyacrylamide and chitosan, the chitosan uniformly incorporated in a polyacrylamide matrix. The microparticle, having a coefficient variation of 0 to 2% and containing macropores with an average size of 1 to 60 nm, is capable of transporting biomolecules conjugated to it. Also disclosed are a method of fabricating such a microparticle in a micromold via photo-induced radical polymerization and a one-pot method of conjugating biomolecules to polymeric hydrogel microparticles.

Abstract: A microwave system has a solid-state generator which generates microwave energy and includes at least one control input for receiving a control signal to vary electrically a parameter of the microwave energy. A microwave load receives the microwave energy and produces an effect in response to the microwave energy. A microwave conducting element couples the microwave energy to the microwave load. An impedance match adjusting device is coupled to the microwave conducting element to vary at least one of the parameters of the microwave energy. The effect produced in response to the microwave energy is altered by both electrical variation of the parameter of the microwave energy via the control signal and adjustment of the impedance match adjusting device to vary the parameter of the microwave energy.

Abstract: The invention discloses an intelligent water-control and gas-diversion particle for water-gas reservoirs and preparation method and application thereof, comprising core support layer with barbs, expandable water shutoff layer, water discharge and gas diversion layer, migration protection layer and suspension lift layer; the expandable water shutoff layer is wrapped on the outer surface of the core support layer and the root of the barb; the water discharge and gas diversion layer is wrapped on the outer surfaces of the expandable water shutoff layer and the barbs; the migration protection layer is wrapped on the outer surface of the water discharge and gas diversion layer; the outer surface of the migration protection layer forms a sphere; the suspension lift layer is wrapped on the outer surface of the migration protection layer.

Abstract: A quantum dot including a seed including a first semiconductor nanocrystal including a first Group II-VI compound, a quantum well surrounding the seed, the quantum well including a second semiconductor nanocrystal including a Group IIIA metal except aluminum and a Group V element, and a shell disposed on the quantum well, the shell including a third semiconductor nanocrystal including a second Group II-VI compound, wherein the quantum dot does not include cadmium, an energy bandgap of the second semiconductor nanocrystal is smaller than an energy bandgap of the first semiconductor nanocrystal and an energy bandgap of the third semiconductor nanocrystal, and an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectrum curve of the quantum dot does not have an inflection point within a wavelength range of about 450 nanometers (nm) to about 600 nm, and a quantum dot composite and a device including the same.

Abstract: A method for coating bulk material uses a coating apparatus to produce a continuous flow of coated material having a predetermined stationary coating weight gain. Coating material is sprayed on the bulk material in two phases within respective first and second rotatable tubular containers of the coating apparatus. In the first rotatable container, the bulk material is partially coated with a pre-set weight gain. In the second rotatable container, the bulk material is sprayed with a coating material to obtain a bulk material coated with the predetermined stational coating weight gain. A transition phase is provided between the two spray periods during which a load of coated bulk material from the first container is transferred at a transfer flow rate to the second container while a new load of bulk material is fed to the first container at the same flow rate as the transfer flow rate.

Abstract: A composition for increased hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir. The composition includes a saltwater solution suitable for injection into the hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir for water flooding, the saltwater solution having a salinity; and a plurality of nanocapsules, where the nanocapsules are operable to be suspended amongst the saltwater solution, where the nanocapsules have an overall positively charged outer surface at respective outer shells of the nanocapsules, where the nanocapsules encapsulate water molecules within the nanocapsules, and where the nanocapsules are operable to release the water molecules in the hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir proximate overall negatively charged zones.

Abstract: A quantum dot including a core including a quaternary alloy semiconductor nanocrystal and not including cadmium, a composition and a quantum dot polymer composite including the same, and an electronic device including the same. The quaternary alloy semiconductor nanocrystal comprises indium (In), phosphorous (P), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), and in the core, a ratio of the zinc with respect to the indium is less than or equal to about 0.5:1 and in the core, a ratio of selenium with respect to zinc is less than or equal to about 0.6:1.

Abstract: A composite cathode active material, a cathode including the composite cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode are provided. The composite cathode active material includes a core including a lithium metal oxide and a coating layer on the core, wherein the lithium metal oxide includes two or more transition metals including nickel (Ni), an amount of Ni within one mole of the two or more transition metals included in the lithium metal oxide is about 0.65 mol or greater, the coating layer includes LiF, and a resistance of the composite cathode active material is lower than that of the core.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a particular multi-layer micron-sized particle that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.

Abstract: The present application provides aerosol processes for selectively incorporating properties of solid precursor particles into processed materials is provided. In one aspect, a carrier gas and a precursor mixture are injected into an aerosol generator. The precursor mixture includes solid precursor particles and a liquid component. One or more ultrasonic transducers are applied to the precursor mixture in the aerosol generator to aerosolize a portion of the precursor mixture that comprises solid particles that are smaller than a predetermined size. The aerosolized portion of the precursor mixture is transferred, via the carrier gas, into a reactor. The aerosolized portion in the reactor is then dried and sometimes reacted to produce solid product particles, and the solid product particles are collected in a particle collector.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation are disclosed that include placing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid containing a one or more polymers capable of consolidating to form a polymeric structure at a downhole location. Also disclosed are treatment fluids including a polymeric structure for treating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: An adsorbent composition having a bismuth material on a support containing at least one of a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide or an activated carbon and methods of making and using the same. The adsorbent composition is useful for adsorbing arsine from a fluid stream.

Abstract: A composite cathode active material, a cathode including the composite cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode are provided. The composite cathode active material includes a core including a lithium metal oxide and a coating layer on the core, wherein the lithium metal oxide includes two or more transition metals including nickel (Ni), an amount of Ni within one mole of the two or more transition metals included in the lithium metal oxide is about 0.65 mol or greater, the coating layer includes LiF, and a resistance of the composite cathode active material is lower than that of the core.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an alloy catalyst supported on carbon, including the steps of: dispersing alloy particles into a mixed solution of water with alcohol, introducing a silica precursor thereto, and carrying out sol-gel reaction in the presence of a basic catalyst to obtain silica-coated alloy particles; supporting the silica-coated alloy particles onto a carbon carrier to obtain silica-coated alloy particles supported on carbon; heat treating the silica-coated alloy particles supported on carbon to increase an alloying degree; and removing silica coating by using inorganic base solution and a surfactant. The method for producing an alloy catalyst provides a high-quality and high-durability alloy catalyst by increasing the alloying degree of a catalyst through a heat treatment step, while forming a silica coating layer effectively on small alloy particles having a size of several nanometers to inhibit growth of the size of alloy particles.

Abstract: Hybrid microparticle having a polymer core and a shell which surrounds the polymer core at least in sections and which has a silicon dioxide layer; characterized by an RF value, the RF value being defined as the ratio of an external surface area amenable to the adsorption of nitrogen to a surface area which is computable from an arithmetic mean diameter of the hybrid microparticle considered as an ideal sphere, where the shell has a structure selected from: closed and smooth, with the shell having an RF value of between 1 and 1.5; closed and hillocky, with the shell having an RF value of between 1.51 and 3; or open, with the shell having an RF value of greater than 3.01.

Abstract: A sliding member includes a base material, and an amorphous hard carbon film formed on a surface of the base material, in which a sp2 ratio of the amorphous hard carbon film increases from an inner surface side corresponding to the base material side toward an outer surface side thereof to become a maximum value and further decreases toward the outer surface side.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal oxide film includes sequentially laminating a carbon film and a metal oxide film including nano-sized metal oxide nanoparticles on a porous fuel membrane to form a preliminary composite structure and reducing the metal oxide film to form a composite structure by combusting the porous fuel membrane while applying a voltage to the preliminary composite structure.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing multi-shell structure nanoparticles includes uniformly distributing core nanoparticles to a first porous fuel membrane, coating the core nanoparticles fixed to the first porous fuel membrane with a fuel, and combusting the fuel coated on the core nanoparticles and the first porous fuel membrane to coat a first carbon film on surfaces of the core nanoparticles.

Abstract: A coalizing product and a method for the coalescing of oil contaminants from a water flow is described, in which the product according to the invention is arranged in an apparatus for in depth coalescing of oil contaminated water. There are also disclosed uses of the method and the product for coalescing of oil contamination in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a zinc nitride compound suitable for electronic devices such as high-speed transistors, high-efficiency visible light-emitting devices, high-efficiency solar cells, and high-sensitivity visible light sensors. The zinc nitride compound is represented, for example, by the chemical formula CaZn2N2 or the chemical formula X12ZnN2 wherein X1 is Be or Mg. The zinc nitride compound is preferably synthesized at a high pressure of 1 GPa or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluidized bed apparatus and a method for particle-coating or granulating, the fluidized bed apparatus includes a swirl generator which is mounted on a sprayer body in the fluidized bed apparatus and extends throughout an air distribution plate and is connected to a source of compressed air. The swirl generator comprises a tubular sleeve extending circumferentially around the sprayer body, and an air chamber is defined between the sleeve and the sprayer body, wherein the sleeve comprises a plurality of guiding slots. The air from the source of compressed air via the air chamber is directed by said guiding slots to rotate outwardly, so as to provide a swirling air stream circumferentially outwardly relative to the sprayer.

Abstract: A method of producing organic pigment microparticles includes: Step 1 of precipitating organic pigment microparticles by mixing an organic pigment raw material liquid in which an organic pigment raw material is mixed with a solvent, and a precipitation solvent for precipitating the organic pigment microparticles from the organic pigment raw material liquid in a thin film fluid formed by introducing the organic pigment raw material liquid and the precipitation solvent in a space between at least two processing surfaces which are disposed so as to face each other, being capable of approaching to and separating from each other, at least one of which rotates relatively to the other; and Step 2 of coating at least a part of the organic pigment microparticles with an oxide coating; wherein the oxide coating is optically colorless and transparent, and Step 1 and Step 2 are performed out continuously in the thin film fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for emulsion templating hollow silica-based particles. The particles are suitable for containing one or more active ingredients or for containing other smaller particles which may include one or more active ingredients. The emulsion templated particles can be formed from two or more silanes. The emulsion templated particles can also be formed from a silane and a compound that attaches a polymer on the shell of the hollow silica-based particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral composition showing increased adsorption performance of an oil-soluble medicinal ingredient such as glycyrrhetinic acid and tocopherol to the gums and oral mucosa. The invention relates to an oral composition comprising the following ingredients (A), (B), (C), and (D): (A) 0.01 mass % or more and 2.5 mass % or less of one or more oil-soluble medicinal ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycyrrhetinic acid, tocopherol, and a tocopherol derivative; (B) 4 mass % or more and 30 mass % or less of a higher alcohol having 12 or more and 22 or less carbon atoms comprising (b1) cetanol and (b2) stearyl alcohol; (C) 0.

Abstract: A foamed treatment fluid comprising: an external phase, wherein the external phase comprises: (A) water; (B) a curable resin; and (C) a foaming agent; and an internal phase, wherein the internal phase comprises an inert gas. A method of treating particles of a particle pack located in a subterranean formation comprising: introducing the foam into the subterranean formation; and consolidating the particles of the particle pack after introduction into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method for making transparent nanocomposite ceramics and other solid bulk materials from nanoparticle powders and transparent nanocomposite ceramics and other solid bulk materials formed using that method. A nanoparticle powder is placed into a reaction chamber and is treated to produce a clean surface powder. The clean surface powder is coated with a second material by means of p-ALD to produce core/shell or core multi shell nanoparticles having a coating or coatings of a other material surrounding the nanoparticle. The core/shell nanoparticles are cleaned and formed into green compact which is sintered to produce a transparent nanocomposite ceramic or other solid bulk material consisting of nanoparticles or core/shell nanoparticles uniformly embedded in a matrix of a different material, particularly in a matrix of a different ceramic material, formed by outer shell of initial core/shell. All steps are performed without exposing the material to the ambient.

Abstract: A seal comprises a housing. A coating has at least two layers with a bond layer to be positioned between a housing and a second hard layer. The second hard layer is formed to be harder than the bond layer. The bond layer has a bond strength greater than or equal to 200 psi and less than or equal to 2000 psi. A gas turbine engine, and a method of forming a coating layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes: a contact module having a base portion, a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion, and two rows of conductive terminals, the tongue portion including a front mating portion and a rear thickened portion, each conductive terminal including a contacting portion exposed to two surfaces of the front mating portion and a soldering portion extending outwardly from the base portion, wherein the contact module is constructed of a ceramic flat portion and an insulator.

Abstract: A quantum dot includes a seed and a core enclosing the seed. The core is grown from the seed to improve size uniformity of the core. The seed includes a first compound without Cd. The first compound may be GaP. The core may include a second compound including elements from group XIII and group XV. The second compound may be InP. The quantum dot may also include a first shell of a third compound enclosing the core. The third compound may be ZnSe or ZnS. The quantum dot may also include a second shell of a fourth compound enclosing the first shell. The fourth compound may be ZnS when the third compound is ZnSe. Embodiments also relate to a quantum dot including first to third elements selected from XIII group elements and XV group elements and fourth to sixth elements selected from XII group elements and XVI group elements.

Abstract: An adhesive agent having excellent bonding properties with oxide films and excellent heat-dissipation properties and a connection structure using the same. The adhesive agent contains an epoxy compound, a cationic catalyst, and an acrylic resin containing acrylic acid and acrylic acid ester having a hydroxyl group. Acrylic acid in the acrylic resin reacts with the epoxy compound to generate connections between an island of acrylic resin and a sea of epoxy compound and roughen the surface of an oxide film to improve an anchor effect with the sea of epoxy compound; solder particles contained in the adhesive agent are melted to form metal bonding with an electrode, thereby enabling improvement in adhesive strength between the adhesive agent and the electrode and further improving heat dissipation from a surface of the metal bonding.

Abstract: A process for making a reduced size oxidant particle is provided. The process forms reduced sized oxidant particles by feeding a coating material and oxidant particles of an initial size into a mill. The coating material may be oleophilic, hydrophobic, siliphilic, hydrocarbon soluble, or a combination thereof. The oxidant particles are then milled, reducing the particle size of the oxidant particles. During the milling step, the coating coats a substantial portion of each reduced sized oxidant particle reducing reagglomeration during the milling step. Optionally, the oxidant particles produced by the process of the instant invention are encapsulated. Alternatively or additionally, the oxidant particles may be placed in suspension. An outermost encapsulant may be substantially non-reacting, impermeable and non-dissolving with water. The oxidant particles formed by the process of the present invention may be placed directly into or in the path of the contaminant(s) in the environmental media to be treated.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electrode material, said material comprising complex oxide particles having a non-powdery conductive carbon deposit on at least part of their surface, said method comprising: grinding into nanometer size complex oxide particles or particles of complex oxide precursors, wherein the grinding is performed in a bead mill on particles dispersed in a carrier solvent, adding an organic carbon precursor to the oxide particles or oxide precursor particles before, during or after said grinding, and pyrolysing the mixture thus obtained, selecting the size of the particles to grind, the size of the beads used to grind, and the size of the resulting particles such that: 0.004<MS(SP)/MS(B)<0.12 and 0.0025<MS(FP)/MS(SP)<0.25, wherein MS(SP) represents the mean size diameter of the particles before grinding, MS(FP) represents the mean size diameter of the particles after grinding, and MS(B) is the mean size diameter of the beads.

Abstract: The present disclosure, among other things, provides a composition including a nanoscale core; a plurality of capping agent entities associated on the core; an outer encapsulant layer; and a plurality of dopant entities distributed at locations selected from the group consisting of: on or within the nanoscale core, on or between capping agent entities, on or within the encapsulating layer, and combinations thereof. Provided technologies can achieve unprecedented levels of dopant entity density and/or surface localization, which, for a SE(R)RS-active agent dopant, results in dramatically improved signal intensity and/or imaging sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal nanoparticle on a surface includes subjecting a metal source to a temperature and a pressure in a carrier gas selected to provide a vapor metal species at a vapor pressure in the range of about 10?4 to about 10?11 atm; contacting the vapor metal species with a heated substrate; and depositing the metal as a nanoparticle on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of producing nanoparticles comprises effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition to the material of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticle precursor composition comprises a first precursor species containing a group 13 element to be incorporated into the nanoparticles and a separate second precursor species containing either a group 15 or a group 16 element to be incorporated into the nanoparticles. The conversion is effected in the presence of molecular cluster compounds under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticles on the molecular cluster compounds. The molecular cluster compounds and nanoparticle precursor composition can be dissolved in a solvent at a first temperature to form a solution and the temperature of the solution can then be increased to a second temperature sufficient to initiate seeding and growth of the nanoparticles on the molecular cluster compounds.

Abstract: There are provided a silyl-terminated resin composition and a method for producing the same, the silyl-terminated resin composition being superior in storage stability before curing and providing a cured product which has a low initial modulus and can maintain the low modulus even after a heat-accelerated test. The silyl-terminated resin composition comprises a surface-treated calcium carbonate and a silyl-terminated resin, wherein the surface-treated calcium carbonate is obtained by surface-treating calcium carbonate having a BET specific surface area in the range of 1 m2/g to 60 m2/g with a fatty acid, and has an alkali metal content in the range of 500 ?g/g to 2000 ?g/g and the free fatty acid as determined by ethanol extraction in the range of 1.8 to 2.5% by mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing an inorganic coating to ammonium nitrate (AN) based particles, in particular to ammonium nitrate-based particles for use as a fertilizer, as well as to an inorganic coating for ammonium nitrate-based particles per se. The method comprises the steps of: a) applying a liquid concentrated mineral acid with a water content of less than 50 weight %, to the particles, in order to at least solubilize ammonium nitrate at the outer surface of the particles such that an acidified particle grasping layer is obtained, and b) applying a solid mineral alkaline in powder form to the particles of step a) in order to react with the grasping layer of the particles to coat the acidified particle surface; wherein the stoichiometric ratio of solid mineral alkaline in powder form to concentrated mineral acid is equal to or more than 5:1.

Abstract: A treatment fluid for treating a portion of a water-sensitive subterranean formation comprising: a base fluid; and a stabilizing compound, wherein the stabilizing compound reduces or eliminates swelling of a water-swellable mineral of the portion of the water-sensitive subterranean formation, and wherein the stabilizing compound comprises: (A) a cationic functional group; and (B) a hydrophobic portion. A method of treating a portion of a water-sensitive subterranean formation comprising: introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore, wherein the wellbore penetrates the subterranean formation, wherein the portion of the subterranean formation comprises a water-swellable mineral.

Abstract: A secondary optical system to increase efficiency in collecting solar radiation concentrated by primary mirrors in “beam-down” plant configurations is described. Such secondary optical system is formed at least by two reflectors—preferably in form of plane mirrors arranged at different heights—oriented to associate to each of them a sub-section of a primary field of heliostats. The secondary reflectors—each one associated to a different primary focus F1,i (i=1, . . . , n) corresponding to a sub-set of primary concentrators—allow concentration of solar rays towards a single secondary focus F2.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to porous ceramic material and to methods of making and using the material. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of forming ceramic materials by depositing material, using atomic layer deposition, onto a sacrificial substrate and to ceramic materials having controlled wall thickness, relatively large pores, and high surface area by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an egg-shell type hybrid structure of highly dispersed nanoparticles-metal oxide support, a preparation method thereof, and a use thereof. Specifically, the present invention relates to an egg-shell type hybrid structure of highly dispersed nanoparticles-metal oxide support, providing an excellent platform in a size of nanometers or micrometers which can support nanoparticles selectively in the porous shell portion by employing a metal oxide support with an average diameter of nanometers or micrometers including a core of nonporous metal oxide and a shell of porous metal oxides, a preparation method thereof, and a use thereof.

Abstract: A composite particle that incorporates a material and is designed to undergo a reaction and/or mechanical or chemical change with the environment to increase in volume. The composite particle can be combined with a constraining matrix to create an expandable particle upon reaction. These particles can be used in stimulating wells, including oil and gas reservoirs.