Abstract: An apparatus for parallel hot pressing includes a die assembly that defines multiple pockets, as well as a load transferring mechanism selectively providing a respective uniaxial compressive load at each of the pockets. Multiple heating mechanisms are arranged so that each of the pockets is aligned with a different respective one of the heating mechanisms, the load transferring mechanism and the heating mechanisms thereby providing both compressive loading and heating of multiple material samples in parallel when material samples are placed in the pockets. A method of hot pressing in parallel is also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a boron-nitrogen compound includes combining an ammonium salt and an ionic compound in the absence of solvent to form a mixture. The ionic compound includes a cation and an anion. The anion is represented by the general formula B(R1)4?, wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl groups, aryl groups, and combinations thereof. The method also includes agitating the mixture in the absence of solvent to form a reaction product, and separating the boron-nitrogen compound from the reaction product.

Abstract: A device for infusing liquid into material samples includes a container assembly configured to contain multiple material samples submerged in liquid. The material samples have pores containing air or gas. A pressure source and a vacuum source are both operatively connectable to the container assembly and alternately communicable with the container assembly to force the liquid to at least substantially fill the pores. The samples are thus ready for further processing, testing or use. A method of filling pores in material samples with liquid includes supporting multiple material samples within liquid in an airtight container assembly. The method further includes alternately applying a vacuum source and a pressure source to the container assembly, thereby replacing air with liquid in the pores of the material samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesis and assaying of materials is provided that significantly improves throughput efficiency by allowing for material synthesis and assaying in the same assembly while possessing the ability to reach higher pressures and higher temperatures than existing designs capable of synthesis and assaying in the same assembly. In addition, the apparatus provides for gas flow over the material sample, allowing for a number of materials to be synthesized within the apparatus by gas synthesis.

Abstract: An apparatus for material synthesis and assaying includes a well assembly having a well containing material. The well assembly is configured such that the material may be synthesized within the well. A measurement device, including a gas delivery and control system is operatively connected to the well assembly and is configured to provide gas to the well for measuring at least one property of the material in the well. An enclosure assembly is provided that includes an enclosure substantially enclosing the gas delivery and control system and is configured to maintain the gas at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A stirred ball mill assembly includes multiple vessels each having a body supporting sets of magnets rotatable with respect to the body. Each vessel defines an enclosed milling chamber, and has a stirring arm assembly extending in the respective enclosed milling chamber and connected for rotation with the respective sets of magnets. The sets of magnets and the stirring arm assembly are completely enclosed within the respective vessel. The vessels are configured to be stacked with one another so that adjacent ones of the sets of magnets are magnetically coupled with one another. A drive motor assembly has another set of magnets magnetically coupled with one of the sets of magnets of the stacked vessels. The drive motor can rotate the stirring arm assemblies within the milling chambers of the milling chambers of the stacked vessels via magnetic coupling of the magnets.

Abstract: A stirred ball mill assembly includes multiple vessels each having a body supporting sets of magnets rotatable with respect to the body. Each vessel defines an enclosed milling chamber, and has a stirring arm assembly extending in the respective enclosed milling chamber and connected for rotation with the respective sets of magnets. The sets of magnets and the stirring arm assembly are completely enclosed within the respective vessel. The vessels are configured to be stacked with one another so that adjacent ones of the sets of magnets are magnetically coupled with one another. A drive motor assembly has another set of magnets magnetically coupled with one of the sets of magnets of the stacked vessels. The drive motor can rotate the stirring arm assemblies within the milling chambers of the milling chambers of the stacked vessels via magnetic coupling of the magnets.

Abstract: A method of preparing a boron-nitrogen compound includes combining an ammonium salt and an ionic compound in the absence of solvent to form a mixture. The ionic compound includes a cation and an anion. The anion is represented by the general formula B(R1)4?, wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl groups, aryl groups, and combinations thereof. The method also includes agitating the mixture in the absence of solvent to form a reaction product, and separating the boron-nitrogen compound from the reaction product.