Abstract: Process for producing conductive and/or piezoresistive traces in a non-conductive polymeric substrate through laser irradiation, characterised in that said substrate is a composite polymeric material, comprising the matrix of a polymer not susceptible to carbonisation through laser irradiation and a dispersed phase comprising carbon nano fibres and/or nanotubes.

Abstract: A sealing ring is set between the engine block of an internal-combustion engine and a cylinder head fixed to the engine block, within a seat set concentrically around a cylinder of the engine. The sealing ring has a composite structure, with an external hollow annular body made of superelastic material, and an internal hollow annular body including a shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: A gasket for the cylinder head of a motor-vehicle engine includes a body including a polymeric matrix containing a reinforcement material including a dispersion of nanofibers or nanotubes of electrically conductive material. Each nanotube or nanofiber has a substantially elongated shape. A uniform distribution of electrodes is associated to the body. Two layers of electrically insulating material are arranged on the top and bottom surfaces of the body, one on top of and one underneath the polymeric matrix, and designed to insulate electrically the dispersion of nanofibers or nanotubes contained therein. Control and processing means are designed to be connected to any pair of electrodes of the distribution for determining any variation of load applied in an axial direction to the gasket.

Abstract: A sealing ring is set between the engine block of an internal-combustion engine and a cylinder head fixed to the engine block, within a seat set concentrically around a cylinder of the engine. The sealing ring has a composite structure, with an external hollow annular body made of superelastic material, and an internal hollow annular body including a shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: A gasket for the cylinder head of a motor-vehicle engine comprises: a body, including a polymeric matrix containing a reinforcement material constituted by a dispersion of microfibres or nanofibres or nanotubes of electrically conductive material, in which each nanotube or nanofibre has a substantially elongated conformation; a uniform distribution of electrodes associated to said body; two layers of electrically insulating material, arranged on the top and bottom surfaces of said body, one on top of and one underneath said polymeric matrix, and designed to insulate electrically said dispersion of nanofibres or nanotubes contained therein; and control and processing means, designed to be connected to any pair of electrodes of said distribution for detecting any variation of electrical resistance across said electrodes and consequently determining any corresponding variation of load applied in the axial direction to the gasket, in such a way that the gasket functions as integrated load sensor.

Abstract: A light source comprises a matrix of micro-filaments able to emit light by incandescence when powered by an electrical current. According to the invention, on the matrix electrical and/or mechanical connections are obtained by means of agglomerations of carbon nanotubes at least partially ordered with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a light source comprising a complex of filaments able to emit light by incandescence when powered by an electrical current. The method includes a step of extending a single uninterrupted wire along a complex path defined by a plurality of positioning elements positioned remotely from each other, the path being such that segments of the uninterrupted wire that extend from different positioning elements mutually cross each other.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a light source comprising a matrix of micro-filaments able to emit light by incandescence when powered by an electrical current. According to the invention, on the matrix electrical and/or mechanical connections are obtained by means of an agglomeration of carbon nanotubes at least partially ordered with respect to each other. The matrix can be formed extending a single uninterrupted wire, some segments whereof mutually cross.