Abstract: The present application relates to boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)-nanoparticle composites, to methods of preparing such composites and their use, for example, in metal/ceramic matrix composites and/or macroscopic assemblies. For example, the methods comprise subjecting a source of hydrogen, a source of boron, a source of nitrogen and a nanoparticle precursor to a stable induction thermal plasma and cooling the reaction mixture to obtain the composite.

Abstract: Provided is a process and an apparatus for purifying boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) materials. The process involves the use of a halogen gas to remove halogen-reactive impurities from boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) materials in a single step with minimal interactions to produce structurally pristine BNNT. Gaseous byproducts are produced that 5 can be removed without the need for solution phase treatments. Yield efficiencies and purity of recovered BNNT are high compared to the other known methods of purification for BNNT material.

Abstract: A method for estimating wear of a polymer drive belt of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided in a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises: determining a first belt wear-affecting factor based on at least one first operating parameter of the vehicle; determining a second belt wear-affecting factor based on at least one second operating parameter of the vehicle; applying the first and second wear-affecting factors to a belt wear-representative parameter to obtain an adjusted belt wear-representative parameter; and adjusting a total belt wear-representative parameter based on the adjusted belt wear-representative parameter to obtain an updated total belt wear-representative parameter. A vehicle having an electronic control unit configured to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite includes a plastic substrate and an electrical insulator layer formed on the plastic substrate. The electrical insulator layer contains boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which may be unmodified or modified BNNTS. The composite is suitable for use in making printed electronic devices. A process includes providing a plastic substrate and forming on at least a portion of a surface of the plastic substrate a layer that contains the BNNTs. A metallic ink trace is formed on a portion of the layer, such that the metallic ink trace is spaced-apart from the substrate. Using photonic or thermal sintering techniques, the metallic ink trace is then sintered.

Abstract: A stretchable multiple-layer nanocomposite material is provided and includes at least a nanocomposite material layer comprising a network of nanotubes modified with an elastomeric polymer; and at least one additional layer laminated with the nanocomposite material layer. The number of nanocomposite layers and additional layers, the nature and composition thereof, may be varied in a surface direction and/or a thickness direction so as to provide tailored mechanical and physico-chemical properties to a resulting skin that can be used to produce morphing or deployable structures.

Abstract: A solution is provided comprising boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in a liquid solvent. An optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, is contacted with the solution so as to form a layer of the solution supported on at least a portion of the optical waveguide. The liquid solvent is then removed from the layer of the solution supported on the optical waveguide in order to form a coating of the BNNTs on the optical waveguide. Further provided is a BNNT coated optical waveguide for use as a sensor.

Abstract: A modified boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) comprising pendant hydroxyl (OH) and amino (NH2) functional groups covalently bonded to a surface of the BNNT. Aqueous and organic solutions of these modified BNNTs are disclosed, along with methods of producing the same. The modified BNNTs and their solutions can be used to coat substrates and to make nanocomposites.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for preparing superhydrophobic nano-microscale patterned films, films pre-pared from such methods and uses of such films as superhydrophobic coatings. The superhydrophobic nano- microscale patterned films comprise high aspect ratio nanoparticles such as boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and/or carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Abstract: A solution is provided comprising boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in a liquid solvent. An optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, is contacted with the solution so as to form a layer of the solution supported on at least a portion of the optical waveguide. The liquid solvent is then removed from the layer of the solution supported on the optical waveguide in order to form a coating of the BNNTs on the optical waveguide. Further provided is a BNNT coated optical waveguide for use as a sensor.

Abstract: A method for estimating wear of a polymer drive belt of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided in a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises: determining a first belt wear-affecting factor based on at least one first operating parameter of the vehicle; determining a second belt wear-affecting factor based on at least one second operating parameter of the vehicle; applying the first and second wear-affecting factors to a belt wear-representative parameter to obtain an adjusted belt wear-representative parameter; and adjusting a total belt wear-representative parameter based on the adjusted belt wear-representative parameter to obtain an updated total belt wear-representative parameter. A vehicle having an electronic control unit configured to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a process and an apparatus for purifying boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) materials. The process involves the use of a halogen gas to remove halogen-reactive impurities from boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) materials in a single step with minimal interactions to produce structurally pristine BNNT. Gaseous byproducts are produced that 5 can be removed without the need for solution phase treatments. Yield efficiencies and purity of recovered BNNT are high compared to the other known methods of purification for BNNT material.

Abstract: The present application relates to boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)-silicate glass composites and to methods of preparing such composites. The methods comprise mixing BNNTs that are coated with a glass former such as boron oxide with a silicate glass precursor to create a mixture; heating the mixture under conditions to obtain a molten silicate glass; and cooling the molten silicate glass under conditions to obtain the BNNT-silicate glass composite.

Abstract: A composite includes a plastic substrate and an electrical insulator layer formed on the plastic substrate. The electrical insulator layer contains boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which may be unmodified or modified BNNTS. The composite is suitable for use in making printed electronic devices. A process includes providing a plastic substrate and forming on at least a portion of a surface of the plastic substrate a layer that contains the BNNTs. A metallic ink trace is formed on a portion of the layer, such that the metallic ink trace is spaced-apart from the substrate. Using photonic or thermal sintering techniques, the metallic ink trace is then sintered.

Abstract: A modified boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) comprising pendant hydroxyl (OH) and amino (NH2) functional groups covalently bonded to a surface of the BNNT. Aqueous and organic solutions of these modified BNNTs are disclosed, along with methods of producing the same. The modified BNNTs and their solutions can be used to coat substrates and to make nanocomposites.

Abstract: The present application relates to boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)-nanoparticle composites, to methods of preparing such composites and their use, for example, in metal/ceramic matrix composites and/or macroscopic assemblies. For example, the methods comprise subjecting a source of hydrogen, a source of boron, a source of nitrogen and a nanoparticle precursor to a stable induction thermal plasma and cooling the reaction mixture to obtain the composite.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for preparing superhydrophobic nano-microscale patterned films, films pre-pared from such methods and uses of such films as superhydrophobic coatings. The superhydrophobic nano- microscale patterned films comprise high aspect ratio nanoparticles such as boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and/or carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Abstract: A stretchable multiple-layer nanocomposite material is provided and includes at least a nanocomposite material layer comprising a network of nanotubes modified with an elastomeric polymer; and at least one additional layer laminated with the nanocomposite material layer. The number of nanocomposite layers and additional layers, the nature and composition thereof, may be varied in a surface direction and/or a thickness direction so as to provide tailored mechanical and physico-chemical properties to a resulting skin that can be used to produce morphing or deployable structures.

Abstract: A two-step sc-SWCNT enrichment process involves a first step based on selective dispersion and extraction of semi-conducting SWCNT using conjugated polymer followed by a second step based on an adsorptive process in which the product of the first step is exposed to an inorganic absorptive medium to selectively bind predominantly metallic SWCNTs such that what remains dispersed in solution is further enriched in semiconducting SWCNTs. The process is easily scalable for large-diameter semi-conducting single-walled carbon nanotube (sc-SWCNT) enrichment with average diameters in a range, for example, of about 0.6 to 2.2 nm. The first step produces an enriched sc-SWCNT dispersion with a moderated sc-purity (98%) at a high yield, or a high purity (99% and up) at a low yield. The second step can not only enhance the purity of the polymer enriched sc-SWCNTs with a moderate purity, but also further promote the highly purified sample to an ultra-pure level.

Abstract: A process for producing boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) involves providing a one or more sources of boron, nitrogen and hydrogen to a stable induction plasma to form a reaction mixture of boron, nitrogen and hydrogen in the plasma, and cooling the reaction mixture to form BNNTs. The process is capable of very efficiently producing small (10 nm or less diameter), reasonably pure BNNTs continuously in high yield at or around atmospheric pressure without the need to use metals as the catalyst. The process may be further modified by providing one or more sources of carbon to produce BNNTs doped with carbon (e.g. BCNNT).

Abstract: A process for producing boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) involves providing a one or more sources of boron, nitrogen and hydrogen to a stable induction plasma to form a reaction mixture of boron, nitrogen and hydrogen in the plasma, and cooling the reaction mixture to form BNNTs. The process is capable of very efficiently producing small (10 nm or less diameter), reasonably pure BNNTs continuously in high yield at or around atmospheric pressure without the need to use metals as the catalyst. The process may be further modified by providing one or more sources of carbon to produce BNNTs doped with carbon (e.g. BCNNT).