Abstract: A family of low-molecular-weight, main-chain thermotropic liquid-crystalline polyimides (TLC-PI) that are crosslinkable is disclosed. These all-aromatic TLC-PI are derived from (i) wholly aromatic and flexible diamine monomers, in which the linkage between the two aniline-ends contains a relatively high heat-tolerant but flexible chain constituted by two or more units of 1,4-phenoxy or 1,3-phenoxy or in combinations of both. Processes of making and using such all-aromatic TLC-PI is also provided.

Abstract: A family of low-molecular-weight, main-chain thermotropic liquid-crystalline polyimides (TLC-PI) that are crosslinkable is disclosed. These all-aromatic TLC-PI are derived from (i) wholly aromatic and flexible diamine monomers, in which the linkage between the two aniline-ends contains a relatively high heat-tolerant but flexible chain constituted by two or more units of 1,4-phenoxy or 1,3-phenoxy or in combinations of both. Processes of making and using such all-aromatic TLC-PI is also provided.

Abstract: A family of low-molecular-weight, main-chain thermotropic liquid-crystalline polyimides (TLC-PI) that are crosslinkable is disclosed. These all-aromatic TLC-PI are derived from (i) wholly aromatic and flexible diamine monomers, in which the linkage between the two aniline-ends contains a relatively high heat-tolerant but flexible chain constituted by two or more units of 1,4-phenoxy or 1,3-phenoxy or in combinations of both. Processes of making and using such all-aromatic TLC-PI is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making RDX nanoparticles comprises dissolving RDX in acetone; injecting the RDX/acetone through an inner tube of a turbulent mixer to form an inner flow; injecting an anti-solvent through an outer tube of a turbulent mixer to form an outer flow, wherein the inner tube is concentric with the outer tube, wherein turbulent mixing of the inner flow and outer flow precipitates nanoparticle of RDX. The concentration of RDX in acetone may be 0.5-1.0 mg RDX/mL acetone. The anti-solvent is a mixture of hexane and cyclohexanone.

Abstract: Reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures comprising functionalized metal nanoparticles that are incorporated into a fluorinated polymer matrix using an in-situ polymerization process and methods of making and using the same. The reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures according to the present invention demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties due to the direct chemical integration of the nano-metal fuel particles into the fluoropolymer matrix. In addition, the reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures may be processed using conventional polymer processing and may be used to fabricate materials such as reactive liners, casings, and other components and inserts. The intense heat produced during reaction may further be used in a variety of applications such as disinfection, decontamination, and/or destruction.

Abstract: Reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures comprising functionalized metal nanoparticles that are incorporated into a fluorinated polymer matrix using an in-situ polymerization process and methods of making and using the same. The reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures according to the present invention demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties due to the direct chemical integration of the nano-metal fuel particles into the fluoropolymer matrix. In addition, the reactive nanocomposites, foams, and structures may be processed using conventional polymer processing and may be used to fabricate materials such as reactive liners, casings, and other components and inserts. The intense heat produced during reaction may further be used in a variety of applications such as disinfection, decontamination, and/or destruction.