Abstract: A polymer hybrid solid electrolyte that possesses high room temperature ionic conductivity, very low interfacial resistance with the electrodes and electrochemical stability window up to 5.2 volts. The polymer-ceramic hybrid solid electrolyte includes: a PEO based copolymer electrolyte; a solvate ionic liquid (SIL); and a salt of a monovalent cation. The inclusion of an ionically conductive additive, such as a ceramic fine powder, can further improve ionic conductivity as well as mechanical properties.

Abstract: A new class of energetic nanoparticles, and a method to produce the same. The energetic nanoparticles are differentiated from other metallic energetic nanoparticles by their core-shell nanostructure including an intermediate boride layer that provides oxidation protection and acts as an active mass. An intermetallic reaction occurs between aluminum and nickel. Aluminum based nanoparticles were used for the examples, but the principle is applicable to other materials as well.

Abstract: A pretreatment solution and process for pretreating steel substrates with an aqueous solution to form a thin partially crosslinked layer that passivates the steel surface and inhibits the formation of flash rust, in which the thin partially crosslinked layer is dried in ambient air, and the dried layer enhances the cathodic disbondment resistance of the overlying paint system. In the process an aqueous precursor solution (A) containing at least one amino-functional silane, at least one of a dissolved silicate or a dissolved aluminate and at least a metal salt; is mixed with an aqueous precursor solution (B) containing at least an epoxy resin. The molar amount of amino-functional silane in precursor solution (A) is at considerably lower than the stoichiometric amount that is needed for completing the crosslinking reaction with the epoxy resin in precursor solution (B) so that unreacted epoxy groups are made available for further crosslinking with the overlying paint.

Abstract: A durable hydrophobic coating composition containing fluorinated silanes for metallic surfaces, such as stainless steel surfaces. The composition includes at least one fluorine-containing silane compound, at least one phosphorus-containing silane compound, and at least one hydrolysable compound. This coating is suitable for condenser tubes, among other applications, to promote dropwise condensation.

Abstract: A chromate-free, self-healing conversion coating solution for magnesium alloy substrates, composed of 10-20 wt. % Mg(NO3)2.6H2O, 1-5 wt. % Al(NO3)3.9H2O, and less than 1 wt. % of [V10O28]6? or VO3? dissolved in water. The corrosion resistance offered by the resulting coating is in several hundreds of hours in salt-spray testing. This prolonged corrosion protection is attributed to the creation of a unique structure and morphology of the conversion coating that serves as a barrier coating with self-healing properties. Hydroxoaluminates form the backbone of the barrier protection offered while the magnesium hydroxide domains facilitate the “slow release” of vanadium compounds as self-healing moieties to defect sites, thus providing active corrosion protection.

Abstract: Optically clear abrasion (or scratch) and chemical-resistant coatings for use on plastic surfaces and methods for making the coating. These coatings can also be used on metallic substrates for improving their hardness and anti-corrosion (or barrier) properties. The coating composition includes at least one silane which has at least one non-hydrolyzable radical containing an epoxy group, at least one aluminum alkoxide, at least one hydrolyzable silicon compound, at least one acid, and water. The coating composition is a molecular composite formulation and is free from particulate materials.

Abstract: Phase separated self-healing polymer coatings having a “biphasic” thermoset/thermoplastic morphology to achieve self-healing. The biphasic structure has: (i) a major “load-bearing” thermoset phase that has superior strength and performs major mechanical and structural functions, and (ii) a “self-healing” phase of a thermoplastic healing agent to repair the material and restore its mechanical and structural integrity after being damaged. The phase-separated morphology is achieved through phase separation via a reaction process.

Abstract: A durable superhydrophobic coating, which coating has the ability to self-heal, similar to the regeneration function observed in biological systems. The coating composition comprises the reaction products of at least one fluorine-containing silane compound (A), at least one hydrolysable compound (B), at least one polysiloxane compound (C), at least one relatively large-sized ceramic particle (I), at least one nano-sized ceramic particle (II) and at least one solvent.

Abstract: A cathode electrode material for use in rechargeable Li-ion batteries, based on the integration of two Li-based materials of NASICON- and Spinel-type structures, is described in the present invention. The structure and composition of the cathode can be described by a core material and a surface coating surrounding the core material, wherein the core of the cathode particle is of the formula LiMn2-xNixO4?? (0.5?x?0 & 0???1) and having a spinel crystal structure, the surface coating is of the formula Li1+xMxTi2-x(PO4)3 (M: is a trivalent cation, 0.5?x?0) having a NASICON-type crystal structure.

Abstract: A non-chromate conversion coating for copper or other alloys. The conversion coating is composed of hydrotalcite-like compound (HTlcs). The conversion coating adheres well with the alloys, and provides excellent corrosion protection. In addition, corrosion inhibitive species were incorporated into the coating. The coating with inhibitors incorporated showed damage-responsive properties. The corrosion protection property of the conversion coating was further enhanced through applying a surface sealer. The coating has applicability in industrial heat exchangers that use reclaimed water.

Abstract: Phase separated self-healing polymeric wood coatings having a “biphasic” thermoset/thermoplastic morphology to achieve self-healing. The biphasic structure has: (i) a major “load-bearing” thermoset phase that has superior strength and performs major mechanical and structural functions, and (ii) a “self-healing” phase of a thermoplastic healing agent to repair the material and restore its mechanical and structural integrity after being damaged. The phase-separated morphology is achieved through phase separation via a reaction process. Methodologies for achieving the above mentioned “biphasic” structure in solvent borne thermally cured resin, waterborne resin, and solvent borne UV-curable resin are described.

Abstract: Surface functionalized sorbent particles for vapor-phase mercury removal, especially in the presence of SO3 in, for example, flue gas. The sorbent surface is modified to increase the SO3 resistance of vapor-phase mercury sorbents. The mercury removal efficiency is immune to the presence of SO3, which is not the case with conventional activated carbon as well as brominated activated carbons. The sorbent is based on carbon particles with a metal oxide coating on the surface. The thin metal oxide layer acts as an amenable surface to introduce functional groups. The metal oxide coated carbon was further modified with amine molecules, to increase its resistance towards SO3 poisoning.

Abstract: A new class of sorbents for the removal of mercury from contaminated water. The optimum structure of the sorbent particles and a method to produce the same is described. The newly developed carbon-based particles are differentiated from other sorbent particles by their high accessible surface area and high affinity towards mercury ions that leads to faster and higher mercury adsorption. The sorbent is based on carbon particles with a metal-oxide coating on the surface. The metal-oxide is coated on the surface of carbon, using a solution-based method. The metal-oxide coated carbon was further modified with sulfur molecules, to increase its mercury removal capacity.