Abstract: A method for forming a component utilizing ultra-high strength steel and components formed by the method. The method includes the step of providing a flat blank of ultra-high strength 22MnB5 steel. The next step of the method is cold forming the flat blank into an unfinished shape of a component while the blank is in an unhardened state. Then, heating the unfinished shape of the component and generating a spline form thereon. The method proceeds by forming a finished shape of the component using a quenching die resulting in a fine-grained martensitic component material structure and enabling net shape processing to establish final geometric dimensions of the component.

Abstract: Nanoparticles and method for producing uniform silicate-based nanoparticles are disclosed. The method comprises a step of injecting into tubular branched elements comprising static mixers a first aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble silicate compound and a second aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble compound releasing cationic species in solution, and allowing the reaction between the first and the second aqueous solutions in a micro-mixing regime, the method being characterized in that the overall mixing time is kept below 10?5 s. A further step of allowing the solution obtained in the micro-mixing regime to mix in a macromixing regime. Nanoparticles obtained through the present method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A brazing filler metal with excellent wetting behavior on stainless steel base material is provided. The brazing filler metal produces a brazed joint with high strength and good corrosion resistance. The brazing filler metal is suitable for brazing stainless steel and other materials where corrosion resistance and high strength is required. Typical examples of applications are heat exchangers and catalytic converters. The iron-chromium based brazing filler metal powder comprises: 11-35 wt % chromium, 0-30 wt % nickel, 2-20 wt % copper, 2-10 wt % silicon, 4-10 wt % phosphorous, 0-10 wt % manganese, and at least 20 wt % iron, and if Si is equal to or less than 6 wt % then P should be above 8 wt %, and if P is less or equal to 8 wt % then Si should be above 6 wt %.

Abstract: Nano-sized rare earth metal oxide particles are prepared from aqueous reverse micelles. The engineered nanoparticles have large surface area to volume ratios, and uniformly incorporate a surfactant in each particle, so that when applied to the inner surface of a pipeline or sprayed onto a fluid stream in a pipeline, the particles reduce the roughness of the inside surface of pipe being used to transport fluid. The application of a nanolayer of this novel nanoceria mixture causes a significant reduction in pressure drops, friction, and better recovery and yield of fluid flowing through a pipeline.

Abstract: A carbon material suitable for the preparation of electrodes for electrochemical capacitors is obtained by single-stage carbonization of biopolymers with a large content of heteroatoms. Neither addition of an activating agent during carbonization nor subsequent gas phase activation is necessary. Several biopolymers which are available by extraction from seaweed are suitable precursors. Alternatively, the seaweed containing such biopolymers is carbonized directly.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous graphite foam including a matrix of graphite fibers joined by a graphitized graphite-forming precursor. In one embodiment, the process includes providing a plurality of graphite fibers; mixing the graphite fibers with a graphite-forming precursor; compressing the mixture; forming a precursor matrix comprising the graphite fiber and the graphite-forming precursor; first heating the matrix to a temperature at which the graphite-forming precursor is carbonized, forming a carbonized matrix; and second heating the carbonized matrix to a temperature at which the carbonized graphite-forming precursor is graphitized, forming the microporous graphite foam. The graphite foam has one or more of pore sizes less than about ten microns, low bulk density, high physical strength and good machinability, while also having the desirable characteristics of graphite, including high thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and solderability.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for synthesizing nanostructures in a controlled process. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises a stage or substrate holder that is heated, e.g., resistively, and is the primary source of heating for the substrate for nanostructure synthesis. The substrate and substrate heater are enclosed in a chamber, e.g., a metal chamber, which is ordinarily at a lower temperature than are the substrate and substrate heater during synthesis. Some embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for chemical vapor deposition (CVD), low pressure CVD (LPCVD), metal organic CVD (MOCVD), and general vapor deposition techniques. Some embodiments of the present invention allow for in situ characterization and treatment of the substrate and nanostructures.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanostructures according to the invention includes injecting acetylene gas into a reactant liquid. The injected acetylene molecules are then maintained in contact with the reactant liquid for a period of time sufficient to break the carbon-hydrogen bonds in at least some of the acetylene molecules, and place the liberated carbon ions in an excited state. This preferred method further includes enabling the liberated carbon ions in the excited state to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and enter a collection area. Collection surfaces are provided in the collection area to collect carbon nanostructures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating mixed waste by pyrolysis. Organic mass is carbonized by heating to carbon in a pyrolysis reactor (3) in an oxygen-free environment. Pyrolysis gases are distilled for oil and the gases are used for energy production. Solid matter resulting from pyrolysis is sieved for separating inorganic coarse particles from a carbon fraction. The carbon fraction is milled in two operations, first with a roller mill (8) and then with a jet mill (10), a removal of metal being performed between the operations. The pulverized carbon fraction is classified by means of ionizing particle separators (11, 12, 13). The multi-stage particle separation is followed by discharging clean air and recovering fine carbon.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanostructures according to the invention includes injecting acetylene gas into a reactant liquid. The injected acetylene molecules are then maintained in contact with the reactant liquid for a period of time sufficient to break the carbon-hydrogen bonds in at least some of the acetylene molecules, and place the liberated carbon ions in an excited state. This preferred method further includes enabling the liberated carbon ions in the excited state to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and enter a collection area. Collection surfaces are provided in the collection area to collect carbon nanostructures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing filamentary structures. The structures include single-walled nanotubes. The method includes combusting hydrocarbon fuel and oxygen to establish a non-sooting flame and providing an unsupported catalyst to synthesize the filamentary structure in a post-flame region of the flame. Residence time is selected to favor filamentary structure growth.

Abstract: A mode of combustion and multi-component reactor to accomplish this mode of combustion are disclosed which produces fullerenes and fullerenic material by combustion. This mode consists of de-coupling an oxidation region of a flame from a post-flame region, thus giving greater control over operating parameters, such as equivalence ratio, temperature, and pressure; allows conditions of the operating parameters of the combustion reaction to be attained which would not be easily attained by conventional methods; and offers the ability to more easily stabilize the combustion reactions to allow for higher throughputs of fuel and oxidant. Several embodiments of a primary zone of a multi-component reactor are also disclosed. Said primary zone serves as the oxidation region, operates on the principle of providing recycle to the reacting combustion mixture, and which may be operated as approximately a well-mixed reactor.

Abstract: A method of processing fullerenes includes generating a gas stream having suspended soot particles and condensable gases, wherein the condensable gases comprising fullerenes, and separating at least a portion of the condensable gases from the suspended soot particles using a gas/solid separations process. At least a portion of the fullerenes in the condensable gases can be condensed and collected after separation of the condensable gases.

Abstract: Methods of producing carbon black in a multi-stage reaction are described. Also described is carbon black formed from the processes.

Abstract: A method of functionalizing nano-carbon materials with a diameter less than 1 ?m, comprising: contacting the nano-carbon materials with a free radical generating compound such as azo-compound in an organic solvent under an inert gas atmosphere, thereby obtaining nano-carbon materials with functional groups thereon. The physical and chemical properties of the nano-carbon materials can be modified through the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new uses and applications for colorless, single-crystal diamonds produced at a rapid growth rate. The present invention is also directed to methods for producing single crystal diamonds of varying color at a rapid growth rate and new uses and applications for such single-crystal, colored diamonds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to functionalized nanoscale diamond powders, methods for making such powders, applications for using such powders, and articles of manufacture comprising such powders. Methods for making such functionalized nanodiamond powders generally comprise a fluorination of nanodiamond powder. In some embodiments, such methods comprise reacting fluorinated nanodiamond powder with a subsequent derivatization agent, such as a strong nucleophile.

Abstract: A method includes liberating carbon atoms from hydrocarbon molecules by reaction with or in a reactant liquid and maintaining the liberated carbon atoms in an excited state. The chemically excited liberated carbon atoms are then enabled to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and are directed across a collection surface. The collection surface and the conditions at and around the collection surface are maintained so that the liberated carbon atoms in the excited state phase change to a ground state by carbon nanostructure self-assembly.

Abstract: A method includes isolating carbon atoms as conditioned carbide anions below a surface of a reactant liquid. The conditioned carbide anions are then enabled to escape from the reactant liquid to a collection area where carbon nanostructures may form. A carbon structure produced in this fashion includes at least one layer made up of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms. Each carbon atom has three covalent bonds to adjoining carbon atoms and one unbound pi electron.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the expansion of intercalated graphite flake is presented. The process includes annealing the graphite flake at a temperature of at least about 3000° C. prior to intercalation and intercalating in the presence of a lubricious additive.