Abstract: Described herein are improved thermoplastic composites, which demonstrate excellent physical properties, such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, toughness, elongation, and, optionally, superior tunable biodegradability when compared to known thermoplastics. The composite comprises minimally a thermoplastic polymer, at least one phenolic compound, and, optionally, a filler.

Abstract: Methods of preparing primary phosphine products using one or more precursor cyclophosphanes, hydrogen, and one or more Lewis acid catalysts. In some embodiments, a cyclophosphane precursor and at least one Lewis acid are dissolved in a solvent to provide a solution. The solution is treated with hydrogen, and optionally heated, to cause a reaction that produces a primary phosphine © product. The primary phosphine product may be isolated from the Lewis acid(s) and optionally purified. In some embodiments, a method may include synthesizing the cyclophosphane precursor prior to mixing the cyclophosphane precursor and the Lewis acid(s).

Abstract: Methods of making a ceramic of a Group 13-15 type or a Group 13-15-16 type by thermolyzing a discrete molecular precursor to the ceramic in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. In some embodiments, the discrete molecular precursor is bench-stable and comprises a Lewis acid-base pair or small cyclic compound containing at last one Group 13 element and at least one Group 15 element but does not include indium and phosphorus in combination with one another unless a Group 16 element is present. The thermolysis can be carried out in air, at atmospheric pressure, and at a temperature below about 400° C., if desired. In some embodiments, the discrete molecular precursor can be placed in a mold having a desired shape and the thermolysis performed while the discrete molecular precursor is in the mold so as to produce a ceramic product having the desired shape.