Abstract: Some variations provide a method of making a nanofunctionalized metal powder, comprising: providing metal particles containing metals selected from aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, titanium, magnesium, zinc, silicon, lithium, silver, chromium, manganese, vanadium, bismuth, gallium, or lead; providing nanoparticles selected from zirconium, tantalum, niobium, or titanium; disposing the nanoparticles onto surfaces of the metal particles, in the presence of mixing media, thereby generating nanofunctionalized metal particles; and isolating and recovering the nanofunctionalized metal particles as a nanofunctionalized metal powder. Some variations provide a composition comprising a nanofunctionalized metal powder, the composition comprising metal particles and nanoparticles containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of zirconium, tantalum, niobium, titanium, and oxides, nitrides, hydrides, carbides, or borides thereof, or combinations of the foregoing.

Abstract: Some variations provide a segmented copolymer composition comprising: fluoropolymer first soft segments that are (?,?)-hydroxyl-terminated and/or (?,?)-amine-terminated; polyester or polyether second soft segments that are (?,?)-hydroxyl-terminated and/or (?,?)-amine-terminated; isocyanate species possessing an isocyanate functionality of 2 or greater; and polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers, wherein the molar ratio of the second soft segments to the first soft segments is less than 2.0. Exemplary segmented copolymers are disclosed. The segmented copolymer composition may be present in a low-friction, low-adhesion coating. Such a coating may be characterized by a coefficient of friction, measured at 90% relative humidity, less than 0.7. Such a coating may be characterized by an average kinetic delay of surface ice formation of at least 10 minutes at ?10° C. These coatings are useful as bugphobic and icephobic coatings.

Abstract: A metal microparticle coated with metal nanoparticles is disclosed. Some variations provide a material comprising a plurality of microparticles (1 micron to 1 millimeter) containing a metal or metal alloy and coated with a plurality of nanoparticles (less than 1 micron) or nanoparticle inclusions (potentially larger than 1 micron). The invention eliminates non-uniform distribution of sintering aids by attaching them directly to the surface of the microparticles. No method is previously known to exist which can assemble nanoparticle inclusions onto the surface of a metal microparticle. Some variations provide a solid article comprising a material with a metal or metal alloy microparticles coated with metal hydride or metal alloy nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles form continuous or periodic inclusions at or near grain boundaries within the microparticles.

Abstract: An aqueous or water-borne precursor liquid for forming an odor-absorbing and anti-fouling heterophasic thermoset polymeric coating is provided. The precursor includes a fluorine-containing polyol precursor having a functionality >about 2 that forms a branched fluorine-containing polymer component defining a first phase in the anti-fouling heterophasic thermoset polymeric coating. The precursor also includes a first precursor that forms a first component including a cyclodextrin present as second phase. The first phase can be a continuous phase and the second phase can be a first discrete phase, or the second phase can be the continuous phase and the first phase can be the first discrete phase. A crosslinking agent, water, and optional acid or base are also present. An emulsifier may also be included. Methods of making an odor-absorbing and anti-fouling heterophasic thermoset polymeric coatings with such precursors are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure describes incorporation of a liquid additive within one or more phases of a multiphase polymer coating. The structure of the microphase-separated network provides reservoirs for liquid in discrete and/or continuous phases. Some variations provide an anti-fouling segmented copolymer composition comprising: (a) one or more first soft segments selected from fluoropolymers; (b) one or more second soft segments selected from polyesters or polyethers; (c) one or more isocyanate species; (d) one or more polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers; and (e) a liquid additive disposed in the first soft segments and/or the second soft segments. The first soft segments and the second soft segments are microphase-separated on a microphase-separation length scale from 0.1 microns to 500 microns. These solid/liquid hybrid materials improve physical properties associated with the coating in applications such as anti-fouling (e.g.

Abstract: Variations provide a metamaterial comprising a plurality of metamaterial repeat units containing a surface-patterned nanoparticle or microparticle that is coated with a metal in a surface pattern. The surface-patterned particle may include a dielectric material or a semiconductor material partially or fully coated with metal(s). In some embodiments, the surface-patterned particles are split ring resonators. Some variations provide a method of making a metamaterial, the method comprising: metallizing surfaces of particles, wherein particles are coated with metal(s) in a surface pattern; dispersing surface-patterned particles in a liquid solution at a starting pH; introducing a triggerable pH-control substance capable of generating an acid or base; and triggering the pH-control substance to generate an acid or base, thereby adjusting the solution pH to a titrated pH.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials that possess both low adhesion and the ability to absorb water. The material passively absorbs water from the atmosphere and then expels this water upon impact with debris, to create a self-cleaning layer. The lubrication reduces friction and surface adhesion of the debris (such as an insect), which may then slide off the surface. The invention provides a material comprising a continuous matrix including a polymer having a low surface energy (less than 50 mJ/m2) and a plurality of inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a hygroscopic material. The continuous matrix and the inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. The material optionally contains porous nanostructures that inject water back onto the surface after an impact, absorbing water under pressure and then releasing water when the pressure is removed. The material may be a coating or a surface, for example.

Abstract: Variations provide a metamaterial comprising a plurality of metamaterial repeat units containing a surface-patterned nanoparticle or microparticle that is coated with a metal in a surface pattern. The surface-patterned particle may include a dielectric material or a semiconductor material partially or fully coated with metal(s). In some embodiments, the surface-patterned particles are split ring resonators. Some variations provide a method of making a metamaterial, the method comprising: metallizing surfaces of particles, wherein particles are coated with metal(s) in a surface pattern; dispersing surface-patterned particles in a liquid solution at a starting pH; introducing a triggerable pH-control substance capable of generating an acid or base; and triggering the pH-control substance to generate an acid or base, thereby adjusting the solution pH to a titrated pH.

Abstract: We have demonstrated reversibly reducing metal-ion crosslinkages in polymer systems, by harnessing light, creating a dynamic and reversible bond. The reduction induces chemical and physical changes in the polymer materials. Some variations provide a polymer composition comprising: a polymer matrix containing one or more ionic species; one or more photosensitizers; and one or more metal ions capable of reversibly changing from a first oxidation state to a second oxidation state when in the presence of the photosensitizers and light. Some embodiments employ urethane-based ionomers capable of changing their crosslinked state under the influence of a change in counterion valance, using light or chemical reducing agents. This invention provides films, coatings, or objects that are reversible, re-mendable, self-healing, mechanically adjustable, and/or thermoplastic/thermoset-switchable.

Abstract: Examples include a method of forming an electromagnetic shielding material, the method including: applying a magnetic field to a precursor material that includes first ferromagnetic particles embedded within a first portion of a matrix material and second ferromagnetic particles embedded within a second portion of the matrix material, thereby causing the first ferromagnetic particles and the second ferromagnetic particles to move such that longitudinal axes of the first ferromagnetic particles and the second ferromagnetic particles become more aligned with the magnetic field; thereafter forcing the first portion of the matrix material through a filter, thereby moving the first ferromagnetic particles from the first portion of the matrix material into the second portion of the matrix material; and curing the second portion of the matrix material to form the electromagnetic shielding material.

Abstract: Disclosed are conductive composites comprising a polymer, a conductor selected from metals and metal alloys, a compatibilizing agent, and an optional thickening agent.

Abstract: A system for bacteria irradiation from an occupant zone of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises an interior portion disposed in the occupant zone. The interior portion has one of a predetermined surface porosity and a predetermined surface roughness. The interior portion has phosphorescent paint for visual indication. The system further comprises a high energy visible (HEV) light source integrated within the interior portion. The HEV light source has an emission wavelength of between about 375 nm and about 425 nm. The HEV light source further provides a cumulative energy of between about 1 J/cm2 and about 50 J/cm2. The system further comprises a vehicle processor in communication with the HEV light source. The vehicle processor is configured to enable the HEV light source. The system further comprises a sensor in communication with the vehicle processor and configured to provide input on when to enable light source.

Abstract: A self-sanitizing surface structure configured to selectively refract light, a method of fabricating a self-sanitizing surface configured to selectively refract light, and a method of decontaminating a surface using selectively refracted light. A waveguide including a support layer below a propagating layer is positioned over a substrate as a self-sanitizing layer. In the absence of a contaminant or residue on the waveguide, UV light injected into the propagating layer is constrained within the propagating layer due to total internal reflection. When a residue is present on the self-sanitizing surface structure, light may be selectively refracted at or near the interface with the residue along the side of the waveguide to destroy the residue. The self-sanitizing surface structure may be configured to refract a suitable amount of UV light in response to a particular type of residue or application.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly durable surface coating intended to inhibit the formation of ice at sub-0° C. temperatures as well as reduce the accumulation of dirt and insect debris to a vehicle surface upon impact. A continuous, durable matrix surrounds both low-surface-energy (low-adhesion) material inclusions as well as hygroscopic material inclusions. Some variations provide a low-friction, low-adhesion material comprising: a durable continuous matrix; a plurality of first inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a low-surface-energy polymer; and a plurality of second inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a hygroscopic material. The matrix and the first and second inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. Other variations employ a durable continuous matrix and a plurality of inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a low-surface-energy polymer surrounding a hygroscopic material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of making a composite part. The method comprises covering a mold tool for a composite part with a parting film. The method further comprises laying up at least one layer of pre-preg on the parting film covering the mold tool to form a laid-up composite part and removing the laid-up composite part from the parting film. The parting film comprises a polymer sheet having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a first adhesive disposed on the first major surface of the polymer sheet, the first adhesive adhering the polymer sheet to the mold tool.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly durable surface coating intended to inhibit the formation of ice at sub-0° C. temperatures as well as reduce the accumulation of dirt and insect debris to a vehicle surface upon impact. A continuous, durable matrix surrounds both low-surface-energy (low-adhesion) material inclusions as well as hygroscopic material inclusions. Some variations provide a low-friction, low-adhesion material comprising: a durable continuous matrix; a plurality of first inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a low-surface-energy polymer; and a plurality of second inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a hygroscopic material. The matrix and the first and second inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. Other variations employ a durable continuous matrix and a plurality of inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a low-surface-energy polymer surrounding a hygroscopic material.

Abstract: Some variations provide a composition comprising: a first solid material and a second solid material that are chemically distinct and microphase-separated; and at least one liquid selectively absorbed into either of the first solid material or the second solid material. The first and second solid materials are preferably present as phase-separated regions of a copolymer, such as in a segmented copolymer (e.g., a urethane-urea copolymer). The liquid may be a freezing-point depressant for water. For example, the liquid may be selected from methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or glycerol. The liquid may be a lubricant. For example, the liquid may be selected from fluorinated oils, siloxanes, petroleum-derived oils, mineral oil, or plant-derived oils. The liquid may consist of or include water. The liquid may be an electrolyte. For example, the liquid may be selected from poly(ethylene glycol), ionic liquids, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, or methyl ethyl dicarbonate.

Abstract: This invention provides durable, low-ice-adhesion coatings with excellent ice-adhesion reduction. Some variations provide a low-ice-adhesion composition comprising a composite material containing at least a first-material phase and a second-material phase that are nanophase-separated on a length scale from 10 nanometers to less than 100 nanometers, wherein the first-material phase and the second-material phase further are microphase-separated on a length scale from 0.1 microns to 100 microns. The larger length scale of separation is driven by an emulsion process, which provides microphase separation that is in addition to classic molecular-level phase separation. The composite material has a glass-transition temperature above ?80° C. The coatings may be characterized by an AMIL Centrifuge Ice Adhesion Reduction Factor up to 100 or more. These coatings are useful for aerospace surfaces and many other applications.

Abstract: A metal microparticle coated with metal hydride nanoparticles is disclosed. Some variations provide a material comprising a plurality of microparticles (1 micron to 1 millimeter) containing a metal or metal alloy and coated with a plurality of nanoparticles (less than 1 micron) containing a metal hydride or metal alloy hydride. The invention eliminates non-uniform distribution of sintering aids by attaching them directly to the surface of the microparticles. No method is previously known to exist which can assemble nanoparticle metal hydrides onto the surface of a metal microparticle. Some variations provide a solid article comprising a material with a metal or metal alloy microparticles coated with metal hydride or metal alloy hydride nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles form continuous or periodic inclusions at or near grain boundaries within the microparticles.

Abstract: An applique for covering a clear substrate through which light is at least one of transmitted and received includes: a transparent sheet having: a first surface; and a second surface that is opposite the first surface; and a ultraviolet (UV) curable pressure sensitive adhesive that is disposed on the first surface of the transparent sheet, that is curable using UV light, and that is configured to adhere the transparent sheet to a third surface of the clear substrate.