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: A composition comprising a cyclic olefin copolymer; a particulate filler dispersed in the cyclic olefin copolymer; and a solvent is disclosed. The composition can be used to make a transmissive composite. The transmissive composite and a method of making a transmissive composite panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some variations provide a multiphase polymer composition comprising a first polymer material and a second polymer material that are chemically distinct, wherein the first polymer material and the second polymer material are microphase-separated on a microphase-separation length scale from about 0.1 microns to about 500 microns, wherein the multiphase polymer composition comprises first solid functional particles selectively dispersed within the first polymer material, and wherein the first solid functional particles are chemically distinct from the first polymer material and the second polymer material. Some embodiments provide an anti-corrosion composition comprising first corrosion-inhibitor particles or precursors selectively dispersed within the first polymer material, wherein the multiphase polymer composition optionally further comprises second corrosion-inhibitor particles or precursors selectively dispersed within the second polymer material.

Abstract: 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 possessing an isocyanate functionality of 2 or greater, or a reacted form thereof; (d) one or more polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers, or a reacted form thereof; and (e) a fluid additive selectively disposed in the first soft segments or in the second soft segments. Other variations provide an anti-fouling segmented copolymer precursor composition comprising a fluid additive precursor selectively disposed in the first soft segments or in the second soft segments, wherein the fluid additive precursor includes a protecting group. The anti-fouling segmented copolymer composition may be present in an anti-ice coating, an anti-bug coating, an anti-friction coating, an energy-transfer material, or an energy-storage material, for example.

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: Methods and compositions for depolymerizing the polymer component of fiber reinforced polymers to facilitate the recovery of free fibers.

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: This invention provides resin formulations which may be used for 3D printing and pyrolyzing to produce a ceramic matrix composite. The resin formulations contain a solid-phase filler, to provide high thermal stability and mechanical strength (e.g., fracture toughness) in the final ceramic material. The invention provides direct, free-form 3D printing of a preceramic polymer loaded with a solid-phase filler, followed by converting the preceramic polymer to a 3D-printed ceramic matrix composite with potentially complex 3D shapes or in the form of large parts. Other variations provide active solid-phase functional additives as solid-phase fillers, to perform or enhance at least one chemical, physical, mechanical, or electrical function within the ceramic structure as it is being formed as well as in the final structure. Solid-phase functional additives actively improve the final ceramic structure through one or more changes actively induced by the additives during pyrolysis or other thermal treatment.

Abstract: A composition comprising a Lewis base containing depolymerization liquid and methods of using the Lewis base depolymerization liquid to depolymerize the polymer component of fiber reinforced polymers to form free fibers.

Abstract: This disclosure provides coatings that eliminate the problem of persistent oil or grease smudges deposited on transparent coatings. Some variations provide an oil-smudge-resistant material comprising discrete inclusions dispersed within a continuous matrix, wherein one of the discrete inclusions and the continuous matrix is an oleophobic material, and the other is an oleophilic material. Specific embodiments incorporate segmented polyurethanes with oleophobic fluoropolymers and oleophilic hydrocarbons. Some embodiments utilize inorganic oleophilic particles in an oleophobic matrix. Some embodiments condense urethane-silane crosslinkers with other silanes to form discrete domains of oleophobic or oleophilic silanes within a continuous matrix of oleophilic or oleophobic polymer.

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 performance in terms of ice-adhesion reduction. Some variations provide a low-ice-adhesion coating comprising a microstructure with a first-material phase and a second-material phase that are microphase-separated on an average length scale of phase inhomogeneity from 1 micron to 100 microns. Some variations provide a low-ice-adhesion material comprising a continuous matrix containing a first component; and a plurality of discrete inclusions containing a second component, wherein the inclusions are dispersed within the matrix to form a phase-separated microstructure that is inhomogeneous on an average length scale from 1 micron to 100 microns, wherein one of the first component or the second component is a low-surface-energy polymer, and the other is a hygroscopic material. The coatings are characterized by an AMIL Centrifuge Ice Adhesion Reduction Factor up to 100 or more.

Abstract: Methods for preparation of novel amphiphilic derivatives of thioether containing block copolypeptides with narrow chain length distributions are described. These block copolymers can be chemically modified by oxidation and alkylation of the thioether containing residues. These materials generate self-assembled micelles, vesicles and hydrogels, or emulsions with oil phases. These assemblies can be used to encapsulate and delivery therapeutic molecules. The assemblies can be taken up by cells to release molecules from the assemblies.

Abstract: An anti-fouling coating is provided, containing a continuous matrix comprising a first component; a plurality of inclusions comprising a second component, wherein the first component is a low-surface-energy polymer having a surface energy, and the second component is a hygroscopic material containing one or more ionic species. The low-surface-energy polymer and the hygroscopic material are chemically connected ionically or covalently, such as in a segmented copolymer composition comprising fluoropolymer soft segments and ionic species contained within the soft segments. The continuous matrix and the inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. Coefficient-of-friction experimental data is presented for various sample coatings. The incorporation of ionic species into the polymer chain backbone increases the hygroscopic behavior of the overall structure.

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: A composition comprises a copolymer made from a thiol terminated hydrocarbon monomer and at least one additional monomer chosen from the compounds of i) a terminally unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer, ii) an isocyanate functionalized hydrocarbon monomer and iii) a silane monomer substituted with two or more C2 to C8 terminally unsaturated alkenyl groups or C2 to C8 terminally unsaturated alkynyl groups. The composition also includes a particulate filler dispersed in the copolymer and a solvent. If the terminally unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer is polybutadiene, the polybutadiene contains from about 0 mol % to about 30 mol % of polymer units in a cis-1,4-butadiene form. Composites made from the composition and methods for making composite panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects described herein generally describe epoxy resins and methods of epoxy resin formation. In some embodiments, a resin includes the reaction product of one or more polythiols, one or more polyepoxides, one or more fillers and one or more amine catalysts. Polythiols have between two and about ten thiol moieties. Polyepoxides have between two and about ten epoxy moieties. One or more amine catalysts of the formula NR1R2R3, wherein each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently linear or branched C1-20 alkyl or two or more of R1, R2, and R3 combine to form cycloalkyl. The resin has a compressive strength of at least 14 ksi at 2% offset at 70° F. and at least 8 ksi at 2% offset at 190° F.

Abstract: A composition comprises a copolymer made from a thiol terminated hydrocarbon monomer and at least one additional monomer chosen from the compounds of i) a terminally unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer, ii) an isocyanate functionalized hydrocarbon monomer and iii) a silane monomer substituted with two or more C2 to C8 terminally unsaturated alkenyl groups or C2 to C8 terminally unsaturated alkynyl groups. The composition also includes a particulate filler dispersed in the copolymer and a solvent. If the terminally unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer is polybutadiene, the polybutadiene contains from about 0 mol % to about 30 mol % of polymer units in a cis-1,4-butadiene form. Composites made from the composition and methods for making composite panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel copolymer is made from a thiol terminated hydrocarbon monomer and at least one additional monomer chosen from the compounds of i) a terminally unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer, ii) an isocyanate functionalized hydrocarbon monomer and iii) a silane monomer substituted with two or more C2 to C8 terminally unsaturated alkenyl groups or C2 to C8 terminally unsaturated alkynyl groups, wherein the copolymer is a linear polymer, branched polymer or crosslinked polymer network, with the following provisos: if the at least one additional monomer is either a) a terminally unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer that is not a polymer having 12 carbon atoms or more, or b) a silane monomer, then the thiol terminated hydrocarbon monomer includes a saturated hydrocarbon ring with two or more terminal thiol groups attached to the hydrocarbon ring; if the terminally unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer is polybutadiene, the polybutadiene contains from about 0 mol % to about 30 mol % of polymer units in the cis-1,4-butadiene form; a

Abstract: A composition comprising a cyclic olefin copolymer; a particulate filler dispersed in the cyclic olefin copolymer; and a solvent is disclosed. The composition can be used to make a transmissive composite. The transmissive composite and a method of making a transmissive composite panel are also disclosed.