Abstract: A method of making a composite article of a graphite-filled polymer mixture that is robust during high shear mixing and compounding, and that exhibits relatively low electrical resistivity after molding. The mixture is formed by shear mixing a liquid polymeric material, graphitized carbon fibers having diameters of less than one micrometer, and glass fibers longer than the carbon fibers. The carbon and glass fibers constitute up to about 25 volume percent and up to about 50 weight percent, respectively, of the mixture, though the addition of as little as about 1 weight percent of the glass fibers has been shown to dramatically reduce resistivity. The mixture is then introduced into a mold so that the glass fibers are substantially oriented parallel to the direction of flow.

Abstract: A method of making a composite article of a graphite-filled polymer mixture that is robust during high shear mixing and compounding, and that exhibits relatively low electrical resistivity after molding. The mixture is formed by shear mixing a liquid polymeric material, graphitized carbon fibers having diameters of less than one micrometer, and glass fibers longer than the carbon fibers. The carbon and glass fibers constitute up to about 25 volume percent and up to about 50 weight percent, respectively, of the mixture, though the addition of as little as about 1 weight percent of the glass fibers has been shown to dramatically reduce resistivity. The mixture is then introduced into a mold so that the glass fibers are substantially oriented parallel to the direction of flow.

Abstract: High surface energy vapor grown carbon fibers and methods of making such fibers. The high surface energy vapor grown carbon fibers of the present invention have a surface energy greater than about 75 mJ/m2 without post-manufacture treatment.

Abstract: A secondary battery having a rechargeable lithium-containing anode, a cathode, and a separator positioned between the cathode and anode with an organic electrolyte solution absorbed therein is provided. The anode comprises three-dimensional microporous carbon structures synthesized by the controlled pyrolysis of gel derived polymer foam precursors. The gradual heating process in the carbonization of pretreated foam precursors stabilizes the pore structures in the pretreated foam.

Abstract: Poly(tri-n-butyltin) methacrylate, an anti-fouling compound, is prepared by sterifying a cross-linked polymethacrylic acid with tributyltin oxide in the presence of a poly solvent. The poly solvent, such as acetone, dioxane or methyl-ethyl ketone, causes particle size reduction due to hydraulic shattering. The in-reaction particle size reduction eliminates the need for mechanical post grinding in the current process.