Abstract: The present invention relates generally to beneficiation of inorganic matrices via addition of nano-materials without altering the production conditions of the inorganic matrix, and more specifically it relates to enhancement of concrete with wet graphite nanoplatelets using conventional concrete production equipment and procedures without any need for extra measures such as sonication, use of surfactants or functionalization of nanomaterials for dispersion of nanoplatelets.

Abstract: A method of joining two articles through a nano-enhanced joining medium is described. Nanomaterials are applied to the surfaces of sheets made of the joining medium via casting or spraying. Said sheets with nanomaterial coatings are then placed between the joining surfaces of the articles, and then application of pressure and heating is used to form a nano-engineered structural joint at the interface of said articles. The distinctly high specific surface area of nanomaterials and the energetic preference of their functionalized surfaces for bonding facilitate the joining process. Nano-engineered structural joints complement high strength levels with desired toughness and the compliance needed for accommodating deformation (e.g. thermal expansion) mismatches of joined articles without generating high stress levels near their interface. The limited quantity (per unit joint surface area) of nanomaterials utilized in nano-engineered joints benefits their economic viability.

Abstract: A method of joining two articles using slender nanomaterials is described. Randomly oriented nanomaterial mats or aligned nanomaterial arrays are introduced at the interface between the two articles followed by their energization via at least one of microwave irradiation and heating. The nanomaterial-to-nanomaterial and nanomaterial-to-surface contacts are enhanced by at least one of fusion, embedment and chemical reaction phenomena upon energization. The fusion, embedment and chemical reaction phenomena enhance at least one of the mechanical, electrical, thermal, durability and functional attributes of these contact points, which translate into improved properties of the joined article. The enhanced contact points enable effective use of the distinct qualities of nanomaterials towards development of joints which offer unique balances of strength, ductility, toughness, transport qualities, thermal stability, weathering resistance and other characteristics.

Abstract: A method of joining two articles through a nano-enhanced joining medium is described. Nanomaterials are applied to the surfaces of sheets made of the joining medium via casting or spraying. Said sheets with nanomaterial coatings are then placed between the joining surfaces of the articles, and then application of pressure and heating is used to form a nano-engineered structural joint at the interface of said articles. The distinctly high specific surface area of nanomaterials and the energetic preference of their functionalized surfaces for bonding facilitate the joining process. Nano-engineered structural joints complement high strength levels with desired toughness and the compliance needed for accommodating deformation (e.g. thermal expansion) mismatches of joined articles without generating high stress levels near their interface. The limited quantity (per unit joint surface area) of nanomaterials utilized in nano-engineered joints benefits their economic viability.

Abstract: Method of joining articles using microscale brazing alloy particles reinforced with slender nanomaterials is described. Surface modified graphite nanomaterials were dispersed in a medium comprised of metal alloy particles, this dispersion was introduced at the interface between the joining articles followed by heating under ultra high vacuum. The nanomaterial-to-metal alloy surface contacts were enhanced by at least one of fusion, embedment and chemical reaction phenomena under high temperature and ultra high vacuum yielding true nanocomposite at the interface. The fusion, embedment and chemical reaction phenomena enhance at least one of the mechanical, electrical, thermal, durability and functional attributes of these contact points, which translate into improved properties of the joined article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an article suitable for attachment to facial skin or other surfaces, which comprises microfibrils and continuous microribbons. The article provides good sealing when used on a regular skin, and on a challenge skin surface with facial hair, sweat and acnes. The article also provides good adhesion and sealing on any other rough surfaces, and can be used repeatedly against different surfaces. These dry adhesives can be used for improving sealing of mask respirators, swimming goggles, or for other applications such as medical bandage, working gloves, and protective clothing seal.

Abstract: A structurally efficient rod-stiffened panel incorporating pretressing benefits is provided, the prestress provided by pultruded rod which is already in the system. The pultruded rods being retained in either tension or compression stresses apply prestressing via interfacial behavior. The new system improves the efficiency of structural composites by tailoring the stress system within structure to fully utilize the structural potential of various components, and to avoid premature local failures within composite structures. A method for producing a prestressed rod stiffened composite structure is also provided.

Abstract: Ultra-high-performance cementitious materials are made using suitably functionalized and relatively low-cost carbon nanofibers and graphite platelets. Polyelectrolytes and surfactants are physisorbed upon these graphite nanomaterials in water, and dispersion of nanomaterials in water is achieved by stirring. Stable and well-dispersed suspensions of nanomaterials in water are realized without using energy-intensive and costly methods, and also without the use of materials which could hinder the hydration and strength development of ultra-high-performance cementitious materials. The water incorporating dispersed nanomaterials is then mixed with the cementitious matrix and, optionally, microfibers, and cured following standard concrete mixing and curing practices. The resulting cementitious materials incorporating graphite nanomaterials and optionally microfibers offer a desired balance of strength, toughness, abrasion resistance, moisture barrier attributes, durability and fire resistance.

Abstract: A perching mechanism is developed which comprises shape-memory components capable of undergoing motions that render the perching effect. This mechanism can provide unmanned air vehicles with versatile, bird-like landing capabilities on surfaces of different types and orientations.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making durable hydrophilic and hierarchical structures containing nano and micro features used as dry adhesives. The method includes introduction of hydrophilic, nanostructured features on the micro-scale tips of fibrillar arrays through UV/Ozone (UVO) and oxygen plasma treatment; the method also includes further coating of the hierarchical structure with a polyelectrolyte via electrostatically-driven self-assembly to improve the hydrophilic stability of the treated fibril tip surfaces.

Abstract: Ultra-high-performance cementitious materials are made using suitably functionalized and relatively low-cost carbon nanofibers and graphite platelets. Polyelectrolytes and surfactants are physisorbed upon these graphite nanomaterials in water, and dispersion of nanomaterials in water is achieved by stirring. Stable and well-dispersed suspensions of nanomaterials in water are realized without using energy-intensive and costly methods, and also without the use of materials which could hinder the hydration and strength development of ultra-high-performance cementitious materials. The water incorporating dispersed nanomaterials is then mixed with the cementitious matrix and, optionally, microfibers, and cured following standard concrete mixing and curing practices. The resulting cementitious materials incorporating graphite nanomaterials and optionally microfibers offer a desired balance of strength, toughness, abrasion resistance, moisture barrier attributes, durability and fire resistance.

Abstract: The present invented mechanism comprises more than two (legs) with phase difference (like polygon-shape, ellipse-shape, and etc) between their rotation angles to produce pre-loading for improved adhesion. Two rigid plates covered with adhesives are attached to each phase difference wheel. Each plate connects to the wheels via a hinge embodying a torsional spring, which forces the plate back to its original position after each contact with surface. The phase difference wheels are made of elastic materials for application of controlled pre-loads at contact surfaces during locomotion. The difference between height and width of each wheel as well as the elastic properties of the materials determine the pre-load pressure applied during locomotion. The pre-load pressure is not strongly dependent on the orientation of locomotion. This enables locomotion in vertical, inclined and even upside-down orientation and also in the non-gravity environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to appliqué film for paint replacement application on aircraft and other surfaces. This system comprises a carrier backing film with patterned hybrid pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs), with discrete silicone phase within a continuous acrylic phase. The patterned hybrid PSAs exhibit a peel strength between 2 and 8 pound per in (pli) in the temperature range of ?65° F. to 285° F. This appliqué film also provides high levels of stability under exposure to weathering effects and fluids applied to exterior aircraft surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for saccharification of lignocelluloses to sugars using whole microbial cells, which are enriched from cultures inoculated with paper mill waste water, wood processing waste and soil. A three-member bacterial consortium is selected as a potent microbial inocula and immobilized on inedible plant fibers for biomass saccharification. The present invention further relates the design of a dual bioreactor system, with various biocarriers for enzyme immobilization and repeated use. Sugars are continuously removed eliminating end-product inhibition and consumption by cell.