Abstract: Tagged products (including tagged petroleum products) and methods of detecting the same are disclosed. The tagged petroleum products are tagged with a violanthrone, e.g., a substituted violanthrone and/or an isoviolanthrone, e.g., a substituted isoviolanthrone.

Abstract: A combination of MWNTs (herein, MWNTs have more than 2 walls) and DWNTs significantly improves the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. A small amount of DWNTs reinforcement (<1 wt. %) significantly improves the flexural strength of epoxy matrix nanocomposites. A same or similar amount of MWNTs reinforcement significantly improves the flexural modulus (stiffness) of epoxy matrix nanocomposites. Both flexural strength and flexural modulus of the MWNTs and DWNTs-coreinforced epoxy nanocomposites are further improved compared with same amount of either DWNTs or MWNTs-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. In this epoxy/DWNTs/MWNTs nanocomposite system, SWNTs may also work instead of DWNTs. Besides epoxy, other thermoset polymers may also work.

Abstract: A nylon 11 composite has significantly improved flexural modulus while keeping or even increasing the impact strength. This composite system may comprise a nylon 11/filler/modifier. The “ball” portion of badminton shuttlecocks made by this type of composite more closely emulate the flight capabilities of natural feather shuttlecocks than neat nylon 11.

Abstract: Conductive lines are deposited on a substrate to produce traces for conducting electricity between electronic components. A patterned metal layer is formed on the substrate, and then a layer of material having a low thermal conductivity is coated over the patterned metal layer and the substrate. Vias are formed through the layer of material having the low thermal conductivity thereby exposing portions of the patterned metal layer. A film of conductive ink is then coated over the layer of material having the low thermal conductivity and into the vias to thereby coat the portions of the patterned metal layer, and then sintered. The film of conductive ink coated over the portion of the patterned metal layer does not absorb as much energy from the sintering as the film of conductive ink coated over the layer of material having the low thermal conductivity. The layer of material having the low thermal conductivity may be a polymer, such as polyimide.

Abstract: A sensor system issues measurement commands at a predetermined regular rate. If a measurement indicates that a gas of interest is present, then the sensor system is signaled to wake-up thereby pulsing a heater for the sensor element that improves the accuracy of measurements. Measurements of humidity, temperature and gas concentration are made. If the gas of interest is detected then the data is used to indicate a compensated gas measurement. The gas level is classified as to its hazard and an adaptive detection algorithm is used to set an activity mode. If the gas of interest is not detected, the adaptive detection algorithm is used to set a sleep mode that saves power. Measurement rates are kept constant while heater power is controlled to reduce power consumption. Measurement rates are changed to increase concentration sensitivity.

Abstract: An elliptical photo-acoustic spectrometer chamber design will result in a larger intensity signal at the pick-up microphone and allow high frequency light modulation. This makes the spectrometer have a lower limit of detection threshold, and will increase the signal to noise ratio in general for the instrument, resulting in a more sensitive instrument allowing more precise measurements.

Abstract: A gas ionizer includes a photocatalyst activated with an electric field to emit electrons. The photocatalyst is also illuminated with an ultraviolet light source. The ionized gas is passed through a chamber between the photocatalyst and the ultraviolet light source. The photocatalyst may be titanium oxide.

Abstract: Nanoparticle inks and powders are sintered using an applied mechanical energy, such as uniaxial pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and ultrasonic energy, which may also include applying a sheer force to the inks or powders in order to make the resultant film or line conductive.

Abstract: Graphite aluminum composites for use in thermal management applications, such as heat sinks, are manufactured using pressure molds. The materials may be mixed previous to insertion into the mold, or can be mixed within the mold. Further, graphitic particles, such as graphitic needle coke surfaces, can be coated with the aluminum before the mold process is performed. Further, ceramic sheets can be inserted into the mixture before the mold process is performed so that the molded material can then be sliced to provide a carbon aluminum composite plate with a ceramic sheet on one of its surfaces.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes, which in several embodiments are mixed with particles, organic materials, non-organic materials, or solvents, are deposited on a substrate to form a cold cathode. The deposition of the carbon nanotube mixture is performed using an ink jet printing process.

Abstract: A silicon solar cell is formed with an N-type silicon layer on a P-type silicon semiconductor substrate. An antireflective and passivation layer is deposited on the N-type silicon layer, and then an aluminum ink composition is printed on the back of the silicon wafer to form the back contact electrode. The back contact electrode is sintered to produce an ohmic contact between the electrode and the P-type silicon layer. The aluminum ink composition may include aluminum powders, a vehicle, an inorganic polymer, and a dispersant. Other electrodes on the solar cell can be produced in a similar manner with the aluminum ink composition.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are coated using thick-film techniques with a catalyst to promote the growth of carbon nanotubes thereon. In one example, alumina nanoparticles are coated with a copper catalyst. Such nanoparticles can be selectively deposited onto a substrate to create a field emission cathode, which can then be utilized within field emission devices.

Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites are obtained by functionalizing the CNTs with a compound that bonds well to an epoxy matrix before dispersing the solution using a microfluidic process. Well-dispersed particles are obtained that sufficiently improve mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, such as flexural strength and modulus. The resulting composite material is used for coatings on marine vessels.

Abstract: Fabrication of thin-film transistor devices on polymer substrate films that is low-temperature and fully compatible with polymer substrate materials. The process produces micron-sized gate length structures that can be fabricated using inkjet and other standard printing techniques. The process is based on microcrack technology developed for surface conduction emitter configurations for field emission devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an analyte gas is provided. The apparatus may include a signal amplifier that may include a thin film transistor that may include a semiconducting film that may include a metal oxide capable of chemical interaction with the analyte gas, such as carbon monoxide. The apparatus may be tuned for detecting the analyte gas by varying the gate voltage of the transistor.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating metal microparticles in a pH sensitive polymer matrix using a suspension containing the polymer. The process first disperses the metal particles in a polymeric solution consisting of a pH sensitive polymer. The particles are then encapsulated in the form of micro-spheres of about 5-10 microns in diameter comprising the pH sensitive polymer and the metal ions (Ni2+, Cu2+) to be coated. The encapsulated matrix includes first metal particles homogeneously dispersed in a pH sensitive matrix, comprising the second metal ions. A high shear homogenization process ensures homogenization of the aqueous mixture resulting in uniform particle encapsulation. The encapsulated powder may be formed using spray drying. The powder may be then coated in a controlled aqueous media using an electroless deposition process. The polymer is removed when the encapsulated micro-spheres encounter a pH change in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Composition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are produced into inks that are dispensable via ink jet deposition processes or others. The CNT ink is dispensed into wells formed in a cathode structure. The inks include carbon nanotubes, binding materials, and possibly other nanoparticles. Such binding materials may include epoxies and silicate materials.

Abstract: Composition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are produced into inks that are dispensable via ink jet or other deposition processes. The CNT ink is dispensed into wells and allowed to dry so as to formed a cathode structure. It is important to note that after the CNT ink is deposited to form a cathode structure, no further post-deposition processes are performed, such as the removal of sacrificial layers, which could damage the CNT ink.

Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of either clay or carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites are obtained by pre-treating nanoparticles and polymer pellets prior to a melt compounding process. The clay or CNTs are coated onto the surfaces of the polymer pellets by a milling process. The introduction of moisture into the mixture of the nanoparticles and the polymer pellets results in the nanoparticles more easily, firmly, and thoroughly coating onto the surfaces of the polymer pellets.

Abstract: A system that captures and eliminates indoor pollutants and chemical and biological agents within a HVAC system by breaking down the pollutants and chemical and biological threats into non-hazardous molecules. The surface area created by crystalline titanium dioxide nano-structures results in highly effective elimination rates when catalytic ionization by UV exposure occurs. The catalyst is activated with UVA light.