Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of methane in an environment, including a housing with a sensor printed circuit board and a processor printed circuit board interconnected to and thermally insulated from the sensor printed circuit board. The sensor printed circuit board includes a first tuning fork isolated from the environment, and a second tuning fork exposed to the environment. The tuning forks are attached to opposite sides of the sensor printed circuit board. The processor printed circuit board includes processing circuitry interconnected to the first tuning fork and the second tuning fork, which receives vibration frequency signals therefrom, and is programmed to determine a frequency difference between the frequency of vibration of the first tuning fork and the frequency vibration of the second tuning fork, and if the frequency difference is greater than a predetermined threshold, then setting an alarm to indicate the presence of methane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of methane in an environment, including a housing with a sensor printed circuit board and a processor printed circuit board interconnected to and thermally insulated from the sensor printed circuit board. The sensor printed circuit board includes a first tuning fork isolated from the environment, and a second tuning fork exposed to the environment. The tuning forks are attached to opposite sides of the sensor printed circuit board. The processor printed circuit board includes processing circuitry interconnected to the first tuning fork and the second tuning fork, which receives vibration frequency signals therefrom, and is programmed to determine a frequency difference between the frequency of vibration of the first tuning fork and the frequency vibration of the second tuning fork, and if the frequency difference is greater than a predetermined threshold, then setting an alarm to indicate the presence of methane.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a carbon-containing matrix. The carbon-containing matrix may comprise at least one type of carbon material selected from the group comprising graphite crystalline carbon materials, carbon powder, carbon fibers, artificial graphite powder, or combinations thereof. In addition, the carbon-containing matrix comprises a plurality of pores. The article of manufacture also comprises an additive that is not a metal pressure disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores.

Abstract: The instant article of manufacture is made by applying optical energy to one or more layers of nanoparticulate materials under predetermined conditions to produce a nanostructure. The nanostructure has layers of optically fused nanoparticles including a predetermined pore density, a predetermined pore size, or both. The predetermined conditions for applying the optical energy may include a predetermined voltage, a predetermined duration, a predetermined power density, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a carbon-containing matrix. The carbon-containing matrix may comprise at least one type of carbon material selected from the group comprising graphite crystalline carbon materials, carbon powder, and artificial graphite powder. In addition, the carbon-containing matrix comprises a plurality of pores. The article of manufacture also comprises a metal component comprising Al, alloys of Al, or combinations thereof. The metal component is disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of pores. Further, the article of manufacture comprises an additive comprising at least Si. At least a portion of the additive is disposed in an interface between the metal component within the pores and the carbon-containing matrix. The additive enhances phonon coupling and propagation at the interface.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprises a carbon-containing matrix. The carbon-containing matrix may comprise one or more carbon materials selected from the group comprising graphite crystalline carbon materials, carbon powder, carbon fibers, artificial graphite powder, and combinations thereof. In addition, the carbon-containing matrix comprises a plurality of pores. The composition of matter also comprises a reactive additive that is not a metal pressure disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores.